Ask A Bankruptcy Lawyer: Should I File Chapter 7 or 13 Bankruptcy?

Deciding to file for bankruptcy is a huge decision, and you should not have to make it alone. If you find yourself in a large amount of debt that you do not think you can overcome with your current income, then it might be time to contact a bankruptcy lawyer and consider your options. The two most common types of personal bankruptcy that are available to you through the United State Bankruptcy Code are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, and it is highly likely that you qualify for at least one of them.

Chapter 7

This is the most common type of personal bankruptcy filed in America today. It allows debtors to eliminate the most common types of debt (credit card, medical bills, payday loans, and more) and start fresh with a clean slate. This type of bankruptcy is most beneficial for people with large amounts of debts, below average incomes, and small numbers of assets.

Chapter 13

The second option, Chapter 13, is a bit more complex and involves the Court reorganizing the client's debts into a monthly payment plan that typically lasts between three and five years. This type of bankruptcy is most beneficial for people who have large amounts of debt, multiple assets, and above average incomes.

No matter which Chapter of bankruptcy you choose to file, the result is the same in the end: you are debt free and are able to establish a new financial future for your life. Contact us with any further questions that you might have about how bankruptcy could help you.