Filing for Bankruptcy and the Bankruptcy Process
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Start here for an overview of the nuts and bolts of filing for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Learn about procedural requirements, like getting pre-bankruptcy credit counseling, and the process and timeline for each type of bankruptcy.
And if you want to learn about the particulars for filing for bankruptcy in your state, check out the Filing by State topic page. You’ll find links to each state’s filing requirements and property exemption rules.
General Articles on Filing and Procedure
Here are the steps involved in the Chapter 7 bankruptcy process.
Here are the steps involved in a typical Chapter 13 bankruptcy, from start to finish.
Learn about the procedures to file an emergency bankruptcy in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.
Involuntary bankruptcies are rare. Learn more here.
If you are unemployed, it may affect what type of bankruptcy you file and when you should file your case. Here are some factors to consider if you've lost your job and you're planning to file for bankruptcy.
If you're thinking about filing for bankruptcy more than once, you'll need to know the rules about how often you should file.
Being a veteran or on active duty in the miltary does confer special treatment in a few areas of bankruptcy.
Here's how and why you might convert your Chapter 13 bankruptcy to a Chapter 7.
If there are changes in the information you provided on Schedule A, you must inform the trustee and file an amended Schedule. Here are the details.
If there is a dispute about a debt in your bankruptcy, you, the creditor, or the trustee can file an adversary proceeding.
In some situations, you can get rid of (avoid) judgment liens in Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Find out what happens if the court dismissed your bankruptcy case with prejudice.
If the bankruptcy court dismisses your case without prejudice, you can probably file again.
With Chapter 20, you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and then immediately follow with a Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
The Bankruptcy Trustee
The trustee's tasks include reviewing the filer's bankruptcy forms, conducting the meeting of creditors (also called the 341 meeting), and managing the filer's bankruptcy estate.
Learn about the role of the Chapter 7 bankruptcy trustee in your bankruptcy case.
The definition of a successor trustee.
The Bankruptcy Credit Counseling Requirement
Learn about the prebankruptcy credit counseling requirement.
Even if you've had credit counseling in the past, you'll have to do it again before you file for bankruptcy. Here's the law.
There are a few exceptions to bankruptcy's credit counseling and debtor education requirements.
The Cost of Bankruptcy
How much will it cost to file for bankruptcy and hire a lawyer?
The filing fees are the same no matter where you file. But you can ask to pay in installments or request a fee waiver.
Typical fees charged by attorneys to represent you in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy vary depending on where you live and how complicated your case will likely be.
State Filing Information
Click on the appropriate state link to find filing information and requirements in your state.
Filing and Process Q&As
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