How long can my chapter 7 bankruptcy case last before it's discharged?

If eligible for discharge, you should've received it already; however, the case can remain open for years before it actually closes.

Hmm. I'm not sure that's accurate, but it may depend on local rules where you live. In most "asset cases" I have seen, the debtor receives his or her discharge in the normal timeframe, but the case is held open while the estate is administered by the trustee (sometimes for years). However, this does not generally impact the debtor since he or she has the discharge and can move on with life/re-building credit. Call another attorney in the area and ask is my best suggestion. Good luck.

I have had many cases where the debtor has assets the Trustee was selling. In all of those cases, the Debtor received their discharge but the case remained open. The same should be true in your case unless there is something else that you have not been told or have not mentioned in your scenario. If you don't trust what your attorney is telling you, by all means contact your Chapter 7 Trustee or the U.S. Trustee's office to inquire about the status.

He's correct. Some such bankruptcies stay open for years or even decades. It is completely up to the Trustee.

It may not be true because the bankruptcy estate can remain open to receive the asset but you should have received a discharge already. The issuance of your discharge should not be delayed by the administering of the assets of the estate.

I'd advise you to speak to your attorney, but because of the mishandling issue it's not bad to get a second opinion. You have an asset case from what it sounds like and the Trustee is interested in liquidating the land in order to collect monies and pay off your creditors. Typically in these situations these are your choices: (a) Convert to chapter 13 and pay back the amount the Trustee would've made in the sale over a period of 5 yrs. (i.e. the Trustee would make $100,000 from the sale of your property, you convert to chapter 13, keep the property but you make payments to the Court over 5 yrs time to equal $100,000) (b) Pay off the Trustee. Your attorney can negotiate with the Trustee for an amount you can pay in lump sum to him/her or in 2-3 payments. Your case wont be left open for years to come (and that's not what the Trustee wants) if it is handled right.

Chapter 7s normally run through relatively quickly. On the other hand there are exceptions and I must refer you back to your bankruptcy attorney unless you would desire to bring in the entire file, have it reviewed, and received opinion. Obviously a fee would be charged for such services.