Debt and Bankruptcy

For legal information on specific topics relating to consumer debt and bankruptcy, use the search tool, the Topics A-Z list, or the navigation on the left of each page. Or just click below:

Consumer Bankruptcy

Credit Counseling

Debt Collection Practices

Exemptions from Creditors

Workout Agreements

Bankruptcy is a federal court process that is designed to work with both consumers and businesses to eliminate debts or repay debts under the supervision of the bankruptcy court. Two basic types of bankruptcy generally apply to consumers and businesses: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.

Both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy differ in the types of debts that are covered, who can file a particular type of bankruptcy and what property the person is allowed to keep.