What is the process for filing for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Washington requires several steps. First, the filer must obtain a credit counseling course and certificate of completion, which must be approved by the U.S. Trustee Program. This step must be completed prior to filing the bankruptcy paperwork. The next step is to collect all of the necessary paperwork and documents. This may include tax returns, pay stubs, and a list of assets and debts. Once all of the documents are gathered, the filer must file a petition (also called a “Voluntary Petition for Relief under Chapter 7”) with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the district of Washington. The petition must include accurate information about the filer’s assets, debts, income, and expenses. Once the petition is submitted, the filer must attend a meeting with the bankruptcy trustee. This meeting is called the 341 meeting and is used to identify any assets or debts that require further investigation. After this meeting, the bankruptcy trustee will review the petition and determine if the filer qualifies for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If the petitioner is approved, the trustee will begin the process of liquidating certain assets in order to pay off creditors. This process is supervised by the trustee and any remaining debt is typically discharged by the court. Once the process is complete, the filer will receive a discharge notice which states that all debts were successfully discharged and that the filer’s Chapter 7 bankruptcy is completed.

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