How long does a Chapter 7 bankruptcy take to discharge?

The court usually grants a discharge in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy four to six months after the petitioner first files the case with the clerk, states Nolo. The time varies according to individual case circumstances and by local jurisdiction processing times.

Typically, the court discharges the debt in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy upon expiration of the timeframe allowed for objections to the discharge or motions to dismiss due to substantial abuse by the debtor, explains the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. Bankruptcy law as of 2015 sets this time period to end 60 days following the date first set for the 341 meeting of the creditors.