The End of Your Bankruptcy Case

1. Once a chapter 7 or chapter 13 case is completed, are there other requirements before I receive a discharge?

You must now complete an instructional course in personal financial management from an approved agency prior to receiving a discharge, with limited exceptions.

In a chapter 13 case, if you owe a domestic support obligation, you must also certify to the court you have paid all amounts due.

1. How do I know when my bankruptcy case is completed and I am no longer in bankruptcy?

At the conclusion of an individual’s bankruptcy case, the court enters an order closing the case, and a copy of this order is sent to you.  Unless the trustee has assets to distribute to creditors, case closing takes place fairly quickly in chapter 7 cases.  In a chapter 13, the court will not close the case until after you finish making payments under the plan or the court dismisses the case.  A court will dismiss your case if you do not make payments to the trustee on time.  If this happens, you will not receive a discharge unless the court grants your special request for a “hardship” discharge.