How Does the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Filing Procedure Work at We The People of New York?

We The People of New York offers affordable Chapter 7 bankruptcy document preparation in New York City and New Jersey. Our experienced petition preparers complete the paperwork for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court—clear, accurate, and low-cost. We are not attorneys and do not give legal advice.

Step 1: Free Chapter 7 Means Test (Eligibility Review)

We begin with a free Means Test to evaluate your Chapter 7 bankruptcy eligibility based on household income, family size, and allowable expenses. This quick screening helps determine whether a Chapter 7 filing in NYC (or NJ) is appropriate.

Step 2: Gathering Your Financial Information

Next, you complete our bankruptcy workbook. You’ll list creditors, balances, collection lawsuits, income, expenses, assets, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement accounts, and any recent financial transactions. Clear, accurate information is essential for a smooth New York bankruptcy filing.

Step 3: Required Courses—Credit Counseling & Debtor Education

Federal law requires two courses:

1. Credit Counseling before filing, and

2. Debtor Education after filing.
   They’re short, affordable (around $20 each), and available online or by phone. You’ll receive certificates we include with your Chapter 7 petition or submit after filing.

3. Step 4: Professional Document Preparation

We prepare your complete Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition, schedules, Statement of Financial Affairs, creditor matrix, and related forms based on your workbook. Our focus is clean, complete, and court-ready paperwork for the appropriate New York district or the appropriate New Jersey district.

Step 5: Filing With the U.S. Bankruptcy Court

When your documents are ready, you’ll file with the court. The current Chapter 7 filing fee is $338. If you qualify, we’ll help with fee-waiver or installment paperwork. After filing, you’ll receive a case number and your automatic stay typically goes into effect, pausing most collection activity.

Step 6: The Trustee Meeting (341 Meeting) & Timeline to Discharge

About 30 days after filing, you attend a brief meeting with the bankruptcy trustee (often by phone or video; sometimes in person). You’ll answer simple questions about your petition. NYC Chapter 7 cases receive a discharge in about 60 days after the meeting.

What You’ll Bring to Get Started

• Photo ID and Social Security proof

• Recent pay stubs and last two years of tax returns

• Bank statements and retirement/asset account statements

• List of creditors (credit cards, medical bills, collections, judgments)

• Vehicle loan information

• Any lawsuits, garnishments, repossessions, or foreclosures

Who We Serve

We work with clients across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester, Nassau County, and New Jersey. If you’re searching for affordable Chapter 7 bankruptcy help, our low-cost document preparation keeps things simple and predictable.

Important Notes

• We are not attorneys. We provide document preparation and guidance through the filing process, not legal advice or representation.

• Some debts are not dischargeable (for example, most student loans, recent taxes, child support, alimony).

• Eligibility and outcomes vary—accuracy and full disclosure are critical.

Ready for a Fresh Start?

If you need a clean, organized path to Chapter 7 bankruptcy in New York City or New Jersey, We The People of New York can prepare your paperwork quickly and affordably. Schedule your free Chapter 7 eligibility review today and learn how to file bankruptcy in NYC with confidence.