Chapter 7 is known as a liquidation. However, most people are filing chapter 7 cases because they have no assets that can be liquidated to pay creditors. That means that the property they do have is exempt and protected by law and cannot be touched by a trustee or creditors. A basic chapter 7 takes 3-4 months and only involves one brief meeting with a chapter 7 trustee. The result is a discharge order wiping out the debt and allowing you to keep your assets. The purpose of a chapter 7 is a fresh start. Certain things are not dischargeable and can be discussed during the free initial consultation. Do not think that the law changes in 2005 have made it impossible to file a chapter 7. The analysis is complicated and needs to be done by a professional. The means test analysis will be done at your initial consultation at the Law Office of Sharon S. Masters.