Should I File for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?
Wondering whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy is better in your situation? Start by learning about the key differences between the two types of bankruptcy, including when you qualify for one and not the other. And then read about the pros and cons of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, and which works best in various situations. And if you're a family farmer or fisherman, you should learn the pros and cons of Chapter 12 bankruptcy as compared to Chapter 13.
Bankruptcy chapters 7 and 13 offer different benefits, but not everyone knows the pros and cons of each filing type. Our handy table explains how both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy work.
The requirements for keeping a home in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy differ substantially. Learn why the status of your mortgage payment and whether you can protect all home equity with a bankruptcy exemption matters.
There are several reasons why Chapter 7 bankruptcy can be more advantageous to certain debtors than Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Before you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, decide if it makes financial sense.
In a Chapter 20 bankruptcy, you file Chapter 7 immediately before Chapter 13. Find out what a Chapter 20 bankruptcy is and when two bankruptcy filings can be better than one.
Empower Yourself: DIY Products by Nolo
Sidestep the lawyers with do-it-yourself books, documents, and software.
Nolo offers hundreds of consumer-friendly, do-it-yourself legal products for all types of legal situations. Browse our full product list.
More Legal Issues
Click below to view more legal issues. Our extensive collection of legal topics ranges across different areas of practice.
Corporations Car Accidents Criminal Law Debt Management Disability Law Divorce & Family Law
Learn About Our Team
Our editors have over 100 years of combined experience practicing law. These professionals have worked in a wide range of legal areas, from estate planning to criminal law to business formation and beyond. They’re experts at explaining complicated legal issues in easy-to-understand terms.
Learn more about the team that manages Nolo’s articles, books, and DIY tools.
Need a Lawyer? We Can Help
Find an experienced, local attorney in three easy steps. Our process is designed for ease and simplicity.
Describe Your Case
Briefly tell us about your case, and provide your contact information.
Get Connected
We find and instantly list attorneys that can best handle your case.
Hire an Attorney
Choose the attorneys you would like to work with.
Nolo Legal Dictionary
At Nolo, we prioritize quality and transparency because we know how important reliable legal information is to our readers. Our information is meticulously researched, regularly updated, and written in plain English by our experienced writers and editors. Learn more about our editorial standards.
Are You an Attorney?
Grow your firm with Martindale-Nolo, the largest legal network, and learn more about our attorney lead-generation and marketing services.
Integrity and Expertise You Can Rely On
At Nolo, we prioritize quality and transparency because we know how important reliable legal information is to our readers. Our information is meticulously researched, regularly updated, and written in plain English by our experienced writers and editors. Learn more about our editorial standards.
Copyright ©2025 MH Sub I, LLC dba Nolo ® Self-help services may not be permitted in all states. The information provided on this site is not legal advice, does not constitute a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or will be formed by use of the site. The attorney listings on this site are paid attorney advertising. In some states, the information on this website may be considered a lawyer referral service. Please reference the Terms of Use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state. Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and Consumer Health Data Notice.
Your Privacy Choices