Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is a safety net that helps people escape debt when illness, divorce, foreclosure, or job loss strikes. Learn how bankruptcy works and the differences between the three types of bankruptcy: Chapters 7, 13, and 11.

Bankruptcy is a potent tool for debtors, but it doesn't resolve all issues. Understand what occurs when you file for bankruptcy and how it can assist you in improving your financial situation.

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.

Should you file for bankruptcy to get rid of debts, or can you sit back and wait?

Declaring bankruptcy will eliminate some lawsuits, but not all. Moreover, in many instances, filing for bankruptcy before a pending lawsuit concludes can prevent the creditor from obtaining a judgment that you can't erase in bankruptcy.

Rising inflation, healthcare costs, and reduced benefits are prompting more elderly Americans to contemplate bankruptcy for financial relief. However, many seniors don't actually need to file. Discover why.

The automatic stay in bankruptcy protects you from creditor actions like foreclosure, wage garnishment, and repossession.

Learn about secured, unsecured, and priority debts in bankruptcy.

A creditor or the trustee can object to the discharge of one or all of your debts in bankruptcy.

Our bankruptcy guide not only answers your bankruptcy questions but also explains the three types of bankruptcy available, so you can navigate the bankruptcy process successfully when filing for bankruptcy.

If you need to stop creditors harassing you, prevent a foreclosure, or stop a car repossession, you can file several forms to start an emergency bankruptcy.

One way to ensure a smooth bankruptcy is to understand what to avoid before filing and steer clear of actions that could lead to complications. Here are some key steps to consider before filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Discover whether you're eligible for Chapter 7 bankruptcy by learning about the Chapter 7 bankruptcy means test. We explain the two-step calculation process used to determine Chapter 7 bankruptcy qualification.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy clears debt like credit card balances, medical bills, past-due rent payments, payday loans, overdue cellphone and utility bills, car loan balances, and even home mortgages in as little as four months.

People often wonder how Chapter 7 bankruptcy will affect their ability to keep their car. We explain how to tell your creditors whether you want to keep a leased or financed car in Chapter 7 bankruptcy or surrender it to the lender.

In exchange for debt relief, Chapter 13 filers pay their discretionary income to creditors during a three- to five-year repayment plan. Learn how the Chapter 13 bankruptcy process works.

Offers essential insights into managing and repaying unsecured debts under Chapter 13 bankruptcy, ensuring individuals understand their rights and obligations.

What happens to your car, truck, van, motorcycle, or another vehicle if you file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy? Learn how filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy can help you keep your vehicle from being repossessed.

Bankruptcy exemptions protect important property—like your home, your car, and your retirement accounts. Each state has different exemptions.

Learn how much home equity you can protect using the homestead exemption in bankruptcy and other requirements you must meet to keep a home in bankruptcy.

Some states permit the use of federal bankruptcy exemptions instead of their own state's exemptions. Determine if you qualify for the federal exemptions and which properties are protected.

Bankruptcy can help keep a small business open or eliminate business-related debts after closure. However, avoiding an unexpected result requires understanding the benefits and limitations of Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Learn about the differences between Chapter 11 and Chapter 13 business bankruptcies.

Find out what will happen to your business in Chapter 7 bankruptcy. In some cases, you might be unable to continue operating your business when you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. There are some exceptions, however. Learn which type of businesses and business assets a bankruptcy trustee will likely sell in a Chapter 7 case.

Learn about the differences between Chapters 7 and 13, the debts you can eliminate or "discharge," the property you can keep using California bankruptcy exemption laws, bankruptcy qualification requirements, and more.

Discover the steps involved in a Texas bankruptcy, including which debts you can erase, the property you can retain, qualification requirements for Chapters 7 and 13, and more.

In this comprehensive guide to filing for bankruptcy, you’ll learn about Chapters 7 and 13, the debts you can discharge, the property you can retain under Florida’s exemption laws, and more.