How Do I File For Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

Serving Cook, Will, Grundy, DuPage, Kendall, Kane, LaSalle, and Lake Counties.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

What’s Required?

Usually there are no court appearances in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Once your case is filed, you will have to appear at a meeting with your court appointed trustee. An attorney from our office will be there with you to guide you through the meeting. The meeting is referred to as a Section 341 meeting and is very quick and informal; taking place approximately five weeks after your case is filed. You generally will receive your Discharge Papers three months after that meeting.

Avoiding Problems When Filing Chapter 7

Two people at a desk with a laptop and documents; one person writes on a notepad while the other sits nearby.

Every bankruptcy case is different but there are a few things that you should avoid doing under any circumstances:

Do not make any more charges or take cash advances on any of your credit cards


Do not make any property transfers


Do not pay debts owed to your family or friends or choose to pay off 1 particular debt, as this is called a “preference.” The Judge could force the money to be paid to to the Trustee for the benefit of your creditors.

When you decide to file for bankruptcy, you want to make sure that you have all of your questions answered first. Filing for bankruptcy is a big decision, and our Bankruptcy Attorneys in Chicago are here to answer all of your questions.