Arizona Bankruptcy Timeline: How Long Does Bankruptcy Take in 2026?

One of the most common questions we hear from Arizona residents considering bankruptcy is simple: How long will this take? Whether you're facing wage garnishment, foreclosure, or overwhelming debt, understanding the timeline helps you plan your financial recovery.

The answer depends on which type of bankruptcy you file. Chapter 7 typically takes 3-4 months from filing to discharge, while Chapter 13 requires 3-5 years to complete your repayment plan. But there's much more to the story.

Key Takeaway

Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Arizona takes approximately 90-110 days from filing to discharge if there are no complications. This includes the mandatory credit counseling, filing, 341 meeting of creditors, and the discharge order. Chapter 13 bankruptcy takes 36-60 months because it involves a structured repayment plan. The type you qualify for depends on your income, assets, and financial goals.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Timeline in Arizona

Chapter 7 is the faster option, designed for those who qualify based on income and want to eliminate unsecured debts quickly.

Pre-Filing Phase: 1-4 Weeks

Before you can file, you must complete several required steps:

| Task | Time Required | Details | |------|---------------|---------| | Credit counseling course | 1-2 hours | Required within 180 days before filing (A.R.S. § 12-2291) | | Document gathering | 1-2 weeks | Pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, debt list | | Attorney consultation | 1-2 hours | Most offer free initial consultations | | Petition preparation | 3-7 days | Your attorney drafts and reviews all paperwork |

Total pre-filing time: Most people complete this phase in 1-2 weeks, though it can take up to a month if documents are difficult to obtain.

Filing Day: Immediate Protection

The moment your petition is filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Arizona, the automatic stay takes effect. This powerful legal protection:

• Stops wage garnishment immediately
• Halts foreclosure proceedings
• Prevents utility disconnections
• Blocks creditor lawsuits and collection calls

Your case number is assigned, and the court notifies all creditors within days.

The 341 Meeting of Creditors: 30-45 Days After Filing

Approximately one month after filing, you'll attend the 341 meeting (also called the meeting of creditors). Despite the name, creditors rarely attend.

What happens at the 341 meeting:

• The bankruptcy trustee asks you questions under oath
• You verify the information in your petition
• The trustee assesses whether you have any non-exempt assets
• Meeting typically lasts 5-10 minutes

Arizona locations: Meetings are held in Phoenix, Tucson, and Yuma, depending on your county of residence.

Post-Meeting Period: 60 Days

After the 341 meeting, there's a mandatory waiting period:

| Day | Milestone | |-----|-----------| | Day 30 | 341 meeting of creditors | | Day 30-60 | Trustee review and asset liquidation (if applicable) | | Day 60 | Deadline for creditors to object to discharge | | Day 90-110 | Discharge order entered |

During this period:

• The trustee determines if you have assets above Arizona exemption limits
• Creditors can object to discharge (rare in typical consumer cases)
• You must complete the second credit counseling course (financial management)

Discharge: 90-110 Days Total

The discharge order eliminates your qualifying debts. In Arizona, most Chapter 7 filers receive discharge within 3-4 months of filing. Learn more about the discharge process from the U.S. Courts Bankruptcy Basics guide.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Timeline in Arizona

Chapter 13 involves a repayment plan and takes significantly longer, but offers advantages for those who want to keep their home or have income above Chapter 7 limits.

Pre-Filing Phase: 2-6 Weeks

Chapter 13 requires more extensive preparation:

| Task | Time Required | Details | |------|---------------|---------| | Credit counseling | 1-2 hours | Same requirement as Chapter 7 | | Document gathering | 2-3 weeks | More extensive than Chapter 7, including proof of income for past 6 months | | Means test calculation | 1-2 hours | Determines plan payment amount | | Plan proposal development | 1-2 weeks | Your attorney creates your 3-5 year repayment plan | | Petition preparation | 1 week | More complex than Chapter 7 |

Filing and Immediate Relief

Like Chapter 7, filing triggers the automatic stay. In Chapter 13, this protection lasts the entire duration of your plan (3-5 years).

The 341 Meeting: 30-45 Days After Filing

Similar to Chapter 7, but the trustee focuses on:

• Your ability to make plan payments
• Whether your proposed plan meets legal requirements
• Confirmation that your plan treats creditors fairly

Plan Confirmation: 60-90 Days After Filing

This is a critical milestone unique to Chapter 13:

| Hearing | Purpose | Timeline | |---------|---------|----------| | Confirmation hearing | Judge approves your repayment plan | 45-75 days after filing | | Trustee objection period | Trustee can request plan modifications | Before confirmation | | Creditor objections | Secured creditors may object to treatment | Before confirmation |

Most Chapter 13 plans are confirmed within 60-90 days of filing, assuming your attorney has structured the plan correctly.

The Repayment Period: 36-60 Months

Once confirmed, you make monthly payments to the trustee for 3-5 years:

| Plan Duration | Monthly Payment | Total Months | |---------------|-----------------|--------------| | 3-year plan | Based on disposable income | 36 months | | 5-year plan | Lower monthly, longer term | 60 months |

Arizona Chapter 13 trustees:

• Phoenix: William T. Neary (standing trustee)
• Tucson: JoAnn L. Wright (standing trustee)

Discharge: 36-60 Months After Filing

After completing all plan payments:

• You receive discharge of remaining unsecured debts
• Any unpaid balances on unsecured debts are eliminated
• You receive a certificate of completion

Factors That Can Delay Your Bankruptcy

Several issues can extend your bankruptcy timeline:

Common Chapter 7 Delays

| Issue | Potential Delay | Solution | |-------|-----------------|----------| | Missing documents | 1-4 weeks | Gather all required paperwork before filing | | High-income means test failure | 2-4 weeks | Consider Chapter 13 conversion | | Non-exempt assets | 1-3 months | Trustee must liquidate and distribute | | Creditor objections | 1-6 months | Litigation over dischargeability | | Previous bankruptcy filing | 2-8 years | Must wait between filings (11 U.S.C. § 727) |

Common Chapter 13 Delays

| Issue | Potential Delay | Solution | |-------|-----------------|----------| | Plan confirmation disputes | 1-3 months | Work with attorney to modify plan | | Payment defaults | Case dismissal | Contact trustee immediately if hardship arises | | Mortgage arrears complications | 1-2 months | Ensure accurate payment history | | Tax return non-filing | Plan rejection | File all required returns before confirmation |

Arizona-Specific Timeline Considerations

Local Court Schedules

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Arizona has specific scheduling:

• Phoenix Division: Serves Maricopa County (largest volume, most frequent 341 meeting dates)
• Tucson Division: Serves Pima, Santa Cruz, and Cochise Counties
• Yuma Division: Serves Yuma, La Paz, Mohave, and Coconino Counties

Filing fees (2026):

• Chapter 7: $338
• Chapter 13: $313

Emergency Filings

If you need immediate protection (pending foreclosure, wage garnishment), Arizona attorneys can file an emergency petition with minimal documents, then submit the complete petition within 14 days.

Emergency filing timeline:

• Same-day protection: File skeleton petition with fee
• Complete filing: 14 days to submit all schedules
• 341 meeting: Scheduled normally (30-45 days)

Which Is Faster: Chapter 7 or Chapter 13?

The choice isn't about speed—it's about your financial situation:

| Factor | Chapter 7 | Chapter 13 | |--------|-----------|------------| | Timeline | 3-4 months | 3-5 years | | Income requirement | Below median income | Regular income source | | Asset protection | Limited exemptions | Keep all property | | Home foreclosure | May lose home | Can catch up on payments | | Debt discharge | Immediate | After plan completion |

Choose Chapter 7 if: You qualify based on income, have no significant assets, and want a fresh start quickly.

Choose Chapter 13 if: You're behind on mortgage payments, have valuable non-exempt assets, or earn too much for Chapter 7.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon after filing does the automatic stay stop wage garnishment?

The automatic stay takes effect immediately upon filing. If garnishment continues after your case number is assigned, contact your attorney. They can notify your employer and the garnishing creditor. Most garnishments stop within 1-2 pay periods after filing.

Can I speed up my Chapter 7 discharge?

Generally, no. The 90-110 day timeline is largely fixed by law. You must:

• Complete credit counseling before filing
• Attend the 341 meeting (scheduled by court)
• Wait the 60-day creditor objection period
• Complete financial management course

The only way to "speed up" is to file efficiently and respond promptly to any trustee requests.

What happens if I miss the 341 meeting?

Your case may be dismissed. If you cannot attend your scheduled 341 meeting, contact your attorney immediately. The trustee may reschedule once, but repeated failures to appear will result in dismissal. Arizona trustees typically offer phone appearances for out-of-state filers or those with disabilities.

How long do I have to wait between bankruptcy filings?

Per 11 U.S.C. § 727 and 11 U.S.C. § 1328, and as detailed by the U.S. Department of Justice:

| Previous Filing | Chapter 7 Wait | Chapter 13 Wait | |-----------------|----------------|-----------------| | Chapter 7 discharge | 8 years | 4 years | | Chapter 13 discharge | 6 years* | 2 years |

*Chapter 13 to Chapter 7 waiting period may be shorter if you paid 100% to unsecured creditors or 70%+ through a good-faith effort.

Will my bankruptcy be public record forever?

Bankruptcy filings remain on your credit report for:

• Chapter 7: 10 years from filing date
• Chapter 13: 7 years from filing date

The court record itself is permanent but becomes less relevant over time. Most Arizona filers see significant credit score improvement within 1-2 years after discharge.

Can I move out of Arizona during my Chapter 13 plan?

Yes, but notify your attorney and trustee. You can continue your Chapter 13 plan from another state, but:

• Your plan payments continue unchanged
• You may need to attend required hearings remotely
• Some trustees allow virtual 341 meetings

Moving doesn't discharge your obligation to complete the plan.

What if my financial situation changes during Chapter 13?

Arizona bankruptcy courts allow for plan modifications if your income decreases due to job loss, medical issues, or other hardships. You can:

• Request payment reduction
• Extend the plan duration (up to 5 years maximum)
• Convert to Chapter 7 if your income drops significantly
• Request a hardship discharge in limited circumstances

Contact your attorney immediately if you cannot make payments—don't wait for default.

How long does it take to rebuild credit after bankruptcy?

Most Arizona filers see measurable credit improvement within:

• 6 months: First credit score increases as debts show "discharged"
• 12 months: Qualify for secured credit cards
• 18-24 months: May qualify for FHA mortgages (Chapter 7) or conventional loans
• 2-3 years: Credit scores often exceed pre-bankruptcy levels

The key is responsible credit use after discharge—on-time payments, low credit utilization, and no new negative marks.

Conclusion

Understanding the Arizona bankruptcy timeline helps you plan your financial recovery with realistic expectations. Chapter 7 offers a 3-4 month path to debt elimination, while Chapter 13 provides 3-5 years of structured repayment with asset protection.

The most important factors in your timeline are:

1. Preparation speed — How quickly you gather documents and complete counseling
2. Case complexity — Simple cases move faster than those with assets or objections
3. Your attorney's efficiency — Experienced Arizona bankruptcy attorneys streamline the process

If you're facing immediate financial pressure, remember that the automatic stay provides instant protection the day you file—even if discharge is months away.

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Bankruptcy law is complex, and timelines can vary based on individual circumstances. Consult with a licensed Arizona bankruptcy attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

Attorney Advertising. This website is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We connect Arizona residents with licensed bankruptcy attorneys for free consultations.

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