ABA Family Legal Guide

Consumer Bankruptcy

Straight Bankruptcy: Chapter 7

Chapter 7 Defined

I have decided to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, what will happen first?

The current bankruptcy law requires debtors to receive credit counseling within 180 days before filing for bankruptcy. Debtors must present to the bankruptcy court a certificate that they received such credit counseling. The counseling must be from a \ nonprofit budget and credit counseling agency that the U.S. bankruptcy trustee or bankruptcy administrator has approved.