Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Ohio:
Process & Timeline, A Step-By-Step Guide



Chapter 7 bankruptcy Timeline:

1. When deciding to file:

Read as much as you can about your options regarding Chapter 7 bankruptcy or Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Akron, Ohio. Let our site be a resource to answer your questions. Educate yourself and beware of non-bankruptcy attorneys, they could advise services that are potentially unnecessary. Only a licensed bankruptcy attorney in Akron, Ohio should be consulted. We offer our consultations for free and can answer any questions regarding your financial situation over the phone or through email.

2. Before your file date:

Complete the mandatory credit counseling course. With the help of your attorney, find an approved counseling course for Ohio bankruptcies.

Collect all financial documents listed on the checklist provided to you by our attorney.

3. Filing date:

Our bankruptcy attorney will organize and file your petition to start the bankruptcy.

4. Automatic Stay:

When your bankruptcy petition is filed, the court will issue an automatic stay. An automatic stay stops creditors and collectors from pursuing you or calling you to collect outstanding debts. An automatic stay ceases all collection efforts, including wage garnishments. As long as your bankruptcy case is pending, your automatic stay will remain active and no collections can be made against you.

5. About 30 days after your file date:

Creditors’ meeting. The meeting will last around five minutes and it’s very straightforward. The Trustee just verifies your petition and asks a few routine questions. Our bankruptcy attorney will be sitting right beside you and it’ll be held in a small office-type room. Dean Paolucci, our bankruptcy attorney, has attended thousands of creditors meetings in both Akron and Cleveland, Ohio and can tell you exactly what you can expect on the day of your creditors meeting. In almost 100% of Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases, no creditors will show up because they’re not entitled to collect anything from you.

6. Within 60 days of your creditors' meeting:

Mandatory financial management course. Our bankruptcy attorney will advise you on how and where to take this course. You can take the course online, over the phone, or in person in Akron, Ohio. Whichever method you choose, it’s pretty painless and, at most, only takes an hour to complete.

7. About 60-90 days after the creditors' meeting:

You’ll receive a written discharge of your debts from the Bankruptcy Court Judge in the mail. You are finished with your Chapter 7 bankruptcy and free of past-due debt. Now you can start with a clean slate and live your life again.


Contact us and tell us your financial situation, bankruptcy can probably help you.

Stop debt collectors from calling you. Get your life back. $100 down to start.