Unexpected life events can lead to unexpected expenses, and before you know it, you could be overwhelmed with debt. If you find yourself facing significant debt, one option to consider is filing for a Georgia Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The purpose of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is to help you get back on your feet and moving toward a better financial future. In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, your assets are liquidated to pay back creditors and your remaining debts can be discharged. It can also help prevent unwanted consequences of debts such as foreclosure, wage garnishments, or credit collections.
Georgia Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Timeline
If you are considering filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Georgia, you may want to know more details about the bankruptcy timeline and how quickly you can turn your financial situation around. Here are some key points of the Chapter 7 bankruptcy timeline:
- Before Filing: Before you decide to file for bankruptcy in Georgia, you must live in the state for at least 90 days.
- Filing Your Bankruptcy: If you have lived in the state for the required amount of time, the next step is to file your bankruptcy. Once your Chapter 7 bankruptcy is filed, an automatic stay goes into effect immediately. This automatic stay is what helps to prevent foreclosure, wage garnishments, and any pending collection lawsuits for the duration of your bankruptcy case.
- Turn in Financial Information: Within 15 days of filing for your bankruptcy, you must file your financial information with the court. You must provide lists of your debts, tax information, income information, and other documents detailing your financial situation. It is important you turn in all the proper information or it could delay your bankruptcy. To avoid this, talk to a skilled Georgia bankruptcy attorney who can take care of this for you.
- Decide what to do with your property: Within 30 days of filing, you must let the court know what you intend to do with your property—whether you plan to reaffirm the debt and keep your property or whether you plan to surrender it to the trustee.
- Meeting of Creditors: About 3-6 weeks after you file for bankruptcy, the court will hold a meeting of creditors. This meeting is where you will tell the Court that the debts listed are accurate and the Court can proceed with discharging your debts through bankruptcy. Your creditors can, however, object to the discharge of your debt.
- Getting Your Discharge: In most cases, if there are no objections or setbacks, you can receive your discharge within 4-6 months of filing your case.
Get Help With Your Chapter 7 Georgia Bankruptcy
If you are considering a Georgia Chapter 7 bankruptcy to improve your financial situation, contact the experienced Georgia bankruptcy attorney at The Ballard Law Group. A skilled attorney can help you through the bankruptcy process and help you avoid delays to the normal timeline. To get your Chapter 7 bankruptcy questions answered so you can make the decision on whether bankruptcy is right for you, contact our offices today for a free consultation at (404) 800-9939.