How Soon Can You File Bankruptcy After Your Consultation?

Bankruptcy Filings -- The total number of filings ... Is up … A total of 16% over last year. From the United States Courts: Bankruptcy filings rose 16 percent during the 12-month period ending March 31, 2024. That is a similar rate of acceleration as in the Dec. 31, 2023, quarterly report, but new bankruptcy cases remain significantly lower than before the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. According to statistics released by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, total filings rose to 467,774 new cases, compared with 403,273 cases reported during the year ending March 31, 2023. Business filings increased 40.4 percent, from 14,467 in March 2023 to 20,316 in the newest report. Non-business filings rose 15.1 percent, from 388,806 in March 2023 to 447,458 in March 2024. This year’s 12-month filing total for the quarter ending March 31 is nearly three-fifths of the total reported in March 2020, when the pandemic disrupted the U.S. economy. That year’s 12-month total was 764,282.

How Quickly Can You File Bankruptcy After Your Consultation?

If you’ve had an initial consultation with Walden Legal Solutions and are ready to move forward, the timeline for filing bankruptcy depends on a few steps that need to be completed first. Here’s what you need to know:

Steps Before Filing

  1. Complete Credit Counseling:
    • You must take a credit counseling course from an approved provider before filing for bankruptcy.
    • The course typically takes 60-90 minutes and can be done online or over the phone.
    • Once completed, you’ll receive a certificate valid for 180 days, which must be submitted with your bankruptcy petition.
  2. Gather Required Documents:
    • We’ll need financial documents such as:
      • Pay stubs
      • Tax returns
      • Bank statements
      • A list of your debts and assets
    • Gathering these documents can take a few days, depending on how organized your records are.
  3. Prepare Your Bankruptcy Petition:
    • Once we have all the required information, we’ll prepare a draft of your bankruptcy petition.
    • This draft outlines your financial situation and is filed with the court to officially start your case.
    • Drafting the petition usually takes a few days to a week, depending on the complexity of your case and how quickly you provide the documents.

How Quickly Can You File?

  • Fastest Timeline: If you complete the credit counseling course and provide all required documents promptly, you could file for bankruptcy within a week or two after your consultation.
  • Delays: If documents are missing or additional details are needed, the timeline may extend slightly.

Once Your Case Is Filed

  • As soon as we file your bankruptcy petition, the automatic stay goes into effect. This immediately stops most collection activities, including wage garnishments, foreclosure proceedings, and creditor calls.
  • From there, the bankruptcy process officially begins, and you’ll be on your way to a fresh financial start.

How to Ensure a Smooth Filing Process

  • Stay organized and gather your financial documents as quickly as possible.
  • Complete the credit counseling course right after your consultation.
  • Work closely with our team to provide any additional information we may need.

Ready to File?

If you’re prepared to take the next step, we’re here to help guide you through the process.

Contact us at to get started on your journey to financial freedom.

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