What happens when I complete my case?

When all of the creditors in your chapter 13 plan have been paid, your case has been completed.  Once all of the checks that have been sent out to your creditors have been cashed and clear with the bank, a final report will be created.  However, it may take up to 4 months from the date your case is completed for all of the checks to be cashed and clear with the bank.  Occasionally, one of your creditors will not cash a check and we will have to cancel it.  Once we cancel the check, we send the funds to the United States Bankruptcy Court Registry where the creditor will need to file a motion to claim them.  Once the Court Registry deposits those funds, we will then issue the final report.  A copy of the final report will be sent to you and a copy will be electronically filed with the Bankruptcy Court.  The Bankruptcy Court will process the final report and within 3 to 5 business days, they will issue your discharge paperwork to you and your creditors.  The final report explains to you how much you sent to our office for your case and how those funds were disbursed to your creditors, attorney and trustee.  The Discharge Order is the document that lets you and your creditors know that the case has been approved as completed by the Bankruptcy Court.