Before you decide to move forward with chapter 7 bankruptcy, you need to become familiar with all the finer details of the process; this includes a basic idea of how long it will take to file, as well as the steps that you need to follow along the way. Learn more about chapter 7 bankruptcy in Philadelphia in this presentation.

1. Before You Decide to Move Forward with Chapter 7
Bankruptcy, You Need to Become Familiar with All
the Finer Details of the Process; this Includes a Basic
Idea of How Long It Will Take to File, as well as the
Steps that You Need to Follow Along the Way
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO
FILE CHAPTER 7 BANKRUPTCY
IN PHILADELPHIA?
DAVID M. OFFEN
PHILADELPHIA BANKRUPTCY ATTORNEY

2. How Long Does it Take to File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Philadelphia? www.getfreeofbills.com
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While nobody wants to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, there may come a time
in your life where this is the best decision you can make. It is going to
change your financial life in many ways and in the long run it could be one
of the best decisions you ever make.
Before you decide to move forward with Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you need
to become familiar with all the finer details of the process. This includes a
basic idea of how long it will take to file, as well as the steps that you need
to follow along the way.

3. How Long Does it Take to File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Philadelphia? www.getfreeofbills.com
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Remember, there is nothing simple about filing bankruptcy. This holds true
regardless of if you are considering Chapter 7 or another type. With
paperwork to be filed as well as decisions to make, this can become
challenging process.
Tip: by hiring a bankruptcy attorney, you can avoid a lot of the stress
associated with the filing process. An experienced legal professional knows
the ins and outs of Chapter 7 bankruptcy, including which steps to take
and how to fill in all the required paperwork.
Before we go any further, it is important to note that you should make a
decision as soon as possible. The sooner you start the filing process the
sooner the automatic stay will protect you. By law, the automatic stay
prohibits creditors from contacting you. This means that you will not have
to worry about collection efforts for the time being.
Note: the Chapter 7
bankruptcy process
differs from one state
to the next. This is
another reason why
you need to hire a local
attorney who has
knowledge of state
bankruptcy laws.

4. How Long Does it Take to File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Philadelphia? www.getfreeofbills.com
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Generally speaking, Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a straightforward process. If
you have an attorney on your side and follow along with the right steps,
you will eventually reach the end.
Step 1: Before filing, you must complete a mandatory credit counseling
course online or via telephone. This may not be something you want to do,
especially if you know that Chapter 7 bankruptcy is right for you, but it is
required nonetheless.
Step 2: Hire an attorney who can help you file the appropriate bankruptcy
forms for your state. In these forms, you will list all of your property and
creditors along with
financial information
covering the past two
years. It is important
to be as accurate as
possible with all of
the information you
provide.
Step 3: Supply a
copy of your most
recent income tax return to your lawyer who is required to supply the same
to the bankruptcy trustee. At the same time, the trustee may require

5. How Long Does it Take to File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Philadelphia? www.getfreeofbills.com
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additional information from you. Your lawyer will guide you with anything
else that the trustee requests.
Step 4: Approximately 30 days after you file, you will attend a creditors’
meeting. At this meeting, the trustee is in charge. Although creditors
usually do not appear, this is not out of the question. At this meeting, you
will answer questions, under oath, pertaining to the information you have
supplied. Your attorney will appear with you at this hearing, and you will
feel more comfortable with a
professional by your side.
Step 5: Within 45 days of your
creditors’ meeting, you will attend
budget counseling either by phone
or online. You are then required to
provide the court with a certificate of
completion, letting them know that
this step has been satisfied.
Step 6: At this point, you will sit back and wait for the court to send you
written notification of which debts have been discharged. You can expect
this to happen within two to three months of the creditors’ meeting. During
this time if you have nonexempt property, you can be contacted by the
trustee and asked to turn over any nonexempt property. Your attorney will
be able to advise you early on if you have any non-exempt property that

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the trustee can require to be turned over. In most cases, there will be no
property which needs to be turned over to the trustee.
These are the six basic steps associated with filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
There is a good chance that these steps will not be exactly the same for
you, since the process is not identical in each state. However, as long as
you are working with a qualified
attorney you don’t have to
concern yourself with the details
of each step. You know you will
be in good hands throughout
the process.
Within six months, at the most,
your bankruptcy filing should be
complete and you will be in
position to move on with the rest of your life. It is your hopes that you are
now in a better financial position, and ready to make the right decisions in
the future.

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About the Author
David M. Offen
A native to the Philadelphia area, Mr. Offen attended Temple University College and Law
School. Mr. Offen is licensed to practice in the States of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He is a
member of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Conference and the National
Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.
David M. Offen has over 20 years of experience and has helped over 8,500
individuals and families go through the Bankruptcy process. These filings have included
stopping foreclosure on a home, stopping repossession of a car or vehicle, stopping IRS tax
levies and frozen bank accounts and putting a stop to; lawsuits, credit card bills, personal loan,
bills, utility shutoffs and other types of debt.
With Mr. Offen’s help, these families have saved countless millions of dollars of debt.
David enjoys getting to know his clients and will be happy to answer any and all questions you
may have. You are treated as a person and not a number.
Remember – there is no such thing as a silly question. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions you
may have. David M. Offen has found that people looking to file Bankruptcy are not trying to
avoid their responsibilities but rather to make a difficult situation easier. David enjoys getting
people to stop worrying and making their financial lives much better and stop feeling
overwhelmed.
In some cases, Bankruptcy is not the best move and he can review your situation with you and
tell you the right move for you to make. Get a completely free evaluation of your situation. For
the past 20 years, the Law Offices of David M. Offen has been among the top filers of
bankruptcy in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
The Law Offices of David M. Offen
www.getfreeofbills.com
The Curtis Center
601 Walnut Street, Suite 160 West – 1st Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 625-9600