More Helpful Guidelines for Chapter 7

Here are some guidelines for Chapter 7 bankruptcy regarding changed residence, court appearances, and how soon automatic stays go into effect:– How soon will creditors stop calling after I file for Chapter 7? – Creditors must immediately cease any debt-collection efforts when they become aware of your filing. When your petition is filed, the court will mail notices to each of the creditors listed in your forms, though this may take a couple weeks. To ensure a creditor stops calling as soon as possible after your filing, you may inform the creditor directly and provide your case number. If a creditor continues calling after the calls were supposed to stop, it may be liable for court sanctions and associated attorneys’ fees.– Court appearances – These are not usually necessary in Chapter 7 bankruptcy; however, you will need to attend a “meeting of creditors” with the bankruptcy trustee and any creditors who opt to attend, and this is meeting is generally brief. If any complications or disputes arise during your bankruptcy, you may need to appear in front of a judge in court, and in these circumstances the court and/or your attorney will provide you with the date and time of the hearing.– Changed residence –If you have only lived in Illinois for less than 91 days, you must wait until you meet this threshold before filing in the state. If you have lived in Illinois for more than 91 days but less than two years, you may file in Illinois but will use the exemptions from the state where you lived “for the majority of the 180-day period immediately previous to the two-year period before you filed.”If you are struggling financially and considering filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you’re not alone. Contact an experienced bankruptcy attorney today for a free consultation.