A typical 1st time bankruptcy lasts for a minimum of 9 months and for a 2nd bankruptcy that time will be 24 months.
The bankruptcy will usually only be extended for longer than that if any one of the following three things happen.
- If you have surplus income - The bankruptcy will automatically be extended a further 12 months.
- A creditor requests a court hearing – The most common reason for this is if the creditor has grounds to believe you’ve not disclosed pertainant information to the trustee
- The trustee requests a court hearing - The trustee may do this if you have not completed the necessary duties you undertake when you assign yourself into bankruptcy.
During the bankruptcy you are required to do the following duties:
- each month, submit a monthly budget of your income and expenses and provide proof of your income to the trustee;
- attend two credit counseling sessions;
- provide the trustee with information so that the trustee can file your outstanding tax returns;
- make a payment each month which is based on your household income; and
- other duties as may be specified by your trustee in your bankruptcy.





