If you're overwhelmed with debt, bankruptcy can allow you to get a fresh start... But it's important to know what you're getting into. Get step-by-step guides for filing Chapter 7, Chapter 11, or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, and find out any pitfalls and legal challenges you might run into.
Female judge at the bench reading papers.
Why Do So Many Chapter 13 Cases Fail?
Chef looking distressed about his business
What Is Chapter 11 Bankruptcy?
A mother working on her laptop from home
How To Avoid Bankruptcy and Spare Your Credit
Lawyer explaining paperwork to a client
What Is Chapter 15 Bankruptcy?
Male and female lawyers discussing over document at conference table in meeting
This is How Much You Can Expect to Pay to File for Bankruptcy
A woman is looking at her cellphone and has a bill in her other hand. Her laptop is in front of her.
If You Declare Bankruptcy, Can You Keep Some Credit Cards?
The courthouse for bankruptcies in Dayton, Ohio, showing Ionic-style columns and the word "BANKRUPTCY"
What Are Nonexempt Assets in a Bankruptcy Case?
Man and woman looking at vegetables they've picked off their farm
What Is Chapter 12 Bankruptcy?
What to know about bankruptcy discharge of debt. A bankruptcy discharge is a court order that relieves you of your obligation to pay a debt following a bankruptcy hearing case While collectors are prohibited from taking collection action on a discharged debt, they can still repossess and sell any property attached to a loan Credit card debt, medical bills, and personal loans are a few types of debt with a good chance of being discharged Child support, fines resulting from criminal activity, and student loans are debts that can’t be discharged under Chapter 7 bankruptcy
What Is a Bankruptcy Discharge?
A woman is sitting on a couch, holding bills in one hand and looking at her laptop. A man is leaning forward to see the laptop.
Too Broke to File Bankruptcy? Here's help.
Man using smart phone and calculator to determine the amounts of his chapter 13 payment.
How much will my Chapter 13 payment be?
Woman smiling as she counts money
What Is Liquidated Debt?
Woman using an ATM.
How to Handle a Garnishment
Lawyer trustee with paperwork
What Is a Bankruptcy Trustee?
Crowded intersection on a busy downtown street
What Is Chapter 9 Bankruptcy?
Man sits on coach and reads phone looking concerned
How Soon Can I Qualify for a Mortgage After Bankruptcy?
Woman looking overwhelmed by all her credit cards
What Is a Preferential Transfer?
Person on their phone next to a car
Keep Your Ride: Do Not Lose Your Car in Bankruptcy
Couple looking at bills
What Is Involuntary Bankruptcy?
Woman looking overwhelmed while looking at paperwork
Filing Bankruptcy Without a Lawyer: Can or Should You?
Tired businesswoman rests head in hand at desk with laptop
What Is Voluntary Bankruptcy?
A man and a woman are paying bills. The woman is using a calculator. They both look stressed.
What Are Federal Bankruptcy Exemptions?
Male creditor filling out proof of claim form
How to File a Bankruptcy Proof of Claim Form
a judge holding a gavel in bankruptcy court
Being Sued By a Creditor While in Bankruptcy Chapter 7 or Chapter 13
Hand holding money over purse
How Long Does Bankruptcy's Automatic Stay Last?
Illustration of man pulling his empty pants pockets out, symbolizing bankruptcy.
Can I File Bankruptcy Without My Spouse?
distressed man sitting on bed looking at phone
Understanding Bankruptcy Schedules
Street view of turn-of-the-century bank with modern highrises in the background, symbollizing the transition of bankruptcy within the judicial and business worlds
History of Bankruptcy in the United States
A group of business workers looking over paperwork
Tips for Choosing Do-It-Yourself Bankruptcy Software
Erase Debt
What's the Difference Between General Discharge vs. Dischargeability?
Mother consoles sad son as they walk outdoors
Can I Get Rid of Child Support and Alimony If I File Bankruptcy?
Lawyer looking at documents with her client
What Is a Bankruptcy Rule 2004 Exam?
Couple looking distressed as they review bills together
What Is Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?
U.S. Bankruptcy court
Filing Bankruptcy Without a Lawyer: Chapter 13 Issues
Bankruptcy worksheet
Overview of the Bankruptcy Statement of Financial Affairs
Just How Bad is Bankruptcy for Your Credit Score?
San Francisco California
Learn about the California 703 exemption scheme for bankruptcy cases.
Business meeting
Dismissing a Bankruptcy Case Without Discharge
Man holding empty wallet
Can Your Bankruptcy Discharge Be Denied?
Improving credit score
How to Improve Your Credit Score After Bankruptcy
Midsection of man with showing empty pockets against gray background
Can I Use My Credit Card to Pay My Bankruptcy Fees?
young couple looking at documents together at kitchen table
Reasons to File Bankruptcy Now to Get the Maximum Benefits Available
An upset couple sitting on a sofa, frustrated by continued creditor calls after a bankruptcy.
How to Stop Creditor Calls After a Bankruptcy
Debt-to-Equity Ratio Definition
Which Is Better: Debt Management Plan or Bankruptcy?
Gavel being held above a car
Pay the Value—Save the Car in Chapter 7
Technology keeps them occupied
How Bankruptcy Affects Your Job
young black man in sweater looking at computer screen in a stressed out manor
Who Files for Bankruptcy?
Woman working from home
How to fill out Bankruptcy Schedule C to claim exemptions
Studio shot of pencil erasing the word bankruptcy from piece of paper.
Learn More About the Bankruptcy Statement of Intention
Two men are sitting at a table and are working on a laptop. One is holding a check.
Can You Lose Your Retirement in a Bankruptcy?
Antiques
What happens to property I lose in a bankruptcy case?
Worried small business owner
What Is Nondischargeable Debt?
82633844.jpg
Discharging Debts: Car, Home and Other Secured Loans
Car being towed
Removing Bankruptcy's Automatic Stay: Past Due Car and House Payments
Practical Steps You Must Take to File Medical Bankruptcy
A well-kept single family home
How to Fill Out Bankruptcy Schedule D
Daughter unwrapping gift with mom in restaurant
Surviving the Holidays After a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy Petition
Are You Avoiding Bankruptcy Due to Stigma?
Woman running from her bills
The Three Biggest Bankruptcy Fears
Judge banging gavel in court
How to Lose Your Bankruptcy Discharge