What will happen in my chapter 7 case after I file all these documents?

Chapter 7 cases are pretty simple for the most part. In most cases, you will attend one creditors' meeting and just wait for your discharge notice to come in the mail.

The bankruptcy Trustee runs the creditors' meeting, which is also called a 341 meeting (named after the section of the bankruptcy law that requires the meeting), and will question you under oath about all the information contained in your bankruptcy documents.

If you and your spouse file a Joint Petition, you must both attend the creditors' meeting and answer questions. It is important to cooperate with the trustee and to provide any records or documents requested.

In a simple case, the meeting will usually last just five minutes or so. While all creditors may attend, very few actually do. Be sure to bring a form of identification to the meeting, as well as proof of your Social Security number (usually your Social Security card). The trustee may ask you to provide additional documentation during the meeting and give you a few days to produce it.

The discharge notice will arrive in the mail about 60 days after you attend the creditors' meeting. This piece of paper is proof that most of your debts have been discharged. You should keep it in a safe place.