Bankruptcy Filing Considerations

Debt and Marriage: When Do I Owe My Spouse's Debts?

Whether you are liable for your spouse's debts depends on whether you live in a community property or equitable distribution state.

Spouse Debts in Common Law States

Whether you and your spouse are liable for each other's debts depends on where you live. In the states with "community property" rules, most debts incurred by one spouse during the marriage are owed by both spouses. But this may not be the case in states that follow "common law" property rules.

Can I File for Bankruptcy Even If I Have a Job

Having a job won't stop you from filing for bankruptcy.

Filing a Joint Bankruptcy Petition

If you are married, learn about joint bankruptcy petitions and the pros and cons of filing one.

Multiple Bankruptcy Filings: When Can You File Again?

If you file bankruptcy too soon after you have received a previous bankruptcy discharge, you cannot receive another discharge.

Can I File for Bankruptcy If I Am Unemployed?

You don't have to be employed to file for bankruptcy. But being unemployed can affect the success of your bankruptcy if you file for Chapter 13.

Bankruptcy for Military Personnel

Learn about some special bankruptcy rules that apply to military members.

Planning So You Can Keep a Tax Refund in Bankruptcy

Learn how some simple planning can allow you to keep your tax refund if you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Will Bankruptcy Affect My Ability to Join the Military?

The circumstances surrounding your bankruptcy can affect your chances of joining the military as well as your security clearance.

Credit Union Cross-Collateralization and Bankruptcy

Watch out for cross-collateralization with credit union accounts in bankruptcy -- debts you think are unsecured might be secured.

Should I pay off creditors with a 401k loan prior to bankruptcy?

Taking out a 401k loan prior to bankruptcy is almost never a good idea. Here's why.

Can a legal resident (noncitizen) file for bankruptcy?

If you are a legal resident (but not a U.S. citizen), you are eligible to file for bankruptcy relief.

Can an undocumented immigrant file for bankruptcy?

If you are an undocumented immigrant, you can file for bankruptcy if you have a valid Social Security Number or ITIN.

Will my bankruptcy be published in the newspaper?

A bankruptcy filing is a public record—find out when, where, and how a bankruptcy case can be viewed.

Should I Tell Creditors That I Plan to File for Bankruptcy?

Consider some of the pros and cons of providing creditors more information than necessary.

Should I pay off creditors with a 401k loan prior to bankruptcy?

Taking out a 401k loan prior to bankruptcy is almost never a good idea. Here's why.

Can a legal resident (noncitizen) file for bankruptcy?

If you are a legal resident (but not a U.S. citizen), you are eligible to file for bankruptcy relief.