How Long Does a Bankruptcy Take in Illinois and Iowa?

At the law firm of Buckrop & VanDeVelde, our Rock Island attorneys know that the decision to file for bankruptcy protection is a difficult one and arrived at only after careful consideration of your options. As part of your decision-making process, you may ask yourself, “How long does a bankruptcy take in Illinois and Iowa?” The answer depends on the type of bankruptcy you file and other circumstances that are unique to your situation. Our lawyers will thoroughly review your case and will make themselves available to answer your questions throughout the process.

Timelines During the Bankruptcy Process

In general, here are some basic timelines you can expect, after you begin the bankruptcy process:

Stopping creditor harassment: Immediate upon filing. Once you have filed a bankruptcy, the automatic stay of the Bankruptcy Code protects you from creditor harassment. Creditors who contact you attempting to collect a debt after you have filed for bankruptcy can be found to have violated the automatic stay. Creditors who knowingly violate the automatic stay can be required to pay damages to you, including court costs and attorney’s fees.

Stopping foreclosure, repossessions or wage garnishments: Immediate upon filing. Any legal actions, such as foreclosures, repossession or wage garnishments, will be stopped upon the filing of your bankruptcy.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy to discharge your debts: Generally 90 days from start to finish. The usual bankruptcy takes about two weeks to prepare (emergency cases can be prepared and filed in as little as a day).

Chapter 13 bankruptcy to restructure your debts: Generally takes between 36 and 60 months to complete your case and receive your discharge. The case normally takes approximately two weeks to prepare and file a complete and accurate petition and repayment plan with the court (emergency cases can be prepared and filed in as little as a day).

Visit our FAQ page for answers to additional questions you may have about bankruptcy.

Contact Our Rock Island Attorneys for Help With Debt Discharges

Our office is located in The Law Centre in downtown Rock Island, Illinois, just a short distance from both Iowa and Illinois federal courthouses. Our lawyers and professional staff proudly serve most clients throughout Western Illinois and Eastern Iowa. Call us toll free at 800-627-5704 or contact us online to arrange a consultation with an experienced bankruptcy lawyer today.

We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.