Comparing Different Bankruptcy Options

The Bankruptcy Process: Chapter 7

A typical Chapter 7 bankruptcy case is relatively straightforward. You will spend most of your time completing the bankruptcy petition, schedules, and other forms, which will require you to list your debts, assets, financial transactions, and so on. Once you've filed your paperwork, the bankruptcy trustee takes over your case.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Laws: Your Disposable Income

In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you must devote all of your disposable income to your Chapter 13 repayment plan.

Overview of Bankruptcy Options for Your Struggling Business During the Coronavirus

Each bankruptcy chapter offers unique benefits that will differ depending on whether you or your company files for bankruptcy. Understanding these dynamics will help you choose the best solution for your small business needs during the coronavirus pandemic.

What Is Chapter 20 Bankruptcy?

Sometimes financial problems are too complex to be solved by Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 alone. That’s where Chapter 20 comes in.

Bankruptcy for Married Couples: Filing Options

If you are married and considering bankruptcy, you'll have to decide whether to file separately (that is, only one spouse files for bankruptcy and the other is not part of the case) or jointly (both spouses file together).

What Is a Plan of Reorganization in Chapter 11 Bankruptcy?

Chapter 11 bankruptcy can be a good option for debtors who want to reorganize their debt in order to keep their assets. A key part of any Chapter 11 case is the debtor’s plan of reorganization. The plan of reorganization outlines how the debtor will pay back creditors over time. In order to move forward

Small Business Owners: Chapter 13 vs. Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

For most small business owners, Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a better option. But in some situations, Chapter 13 bankruptcy is the way to go.

Should I File for Chapter 11 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Both Chapter 11 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy provide a way for people struggling with debt to keep their property by reorganizing their debt. Chapter 11 bankruptcy is generally more popular with businesses, but it can be a good choice for certain individuals, especially those with extremely large amounts of debt. For most individuals, however, Chapter 13 bankruptcy is often cheaper and easier.

Bankruptcy: Voluntary vs. Involuntary

There are two different ways in which a bankruptcy proceeding can be initiated -- voluntary and involuntary. A voluntary bankruptcy, by far the most common type of bankruptcy proceeding, is initiated by a debtor who wishes to seek relief. Involuntary bankruptcies, which are very rare, are initiated by a debtor’s creditors who want to receive payment for what they are owed.

Unsecured Debt: Priority vs. Non-Priority

Whether you file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, it's important to determine which of your unsecured debts will be classified as priority debts and which will be assigned to the nonpriority category.

Secured vs. Unsecured Debt

If you are thinking about filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, it is important to examine all of your debts and figure out if they are secured or unsecured. Each type of debt is treated differently depending on which bankruptcy chapter you file under (see Determining Debt Released in Bankruptcy).

Secured vs Unsecured Debt in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

When you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you don't have to directly repay any of your debt. Instead, the bankruptcy trustee may take any property you own that isn't exempt, sell it, and distribute the assets to your creditors. Once this process is complete, you will receive your bankruptcy discharge, which wipes out all debts that can be discharged in bankruptcy.