Courts & Types
Bankruptcy Court
An overview of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 and what filing without a lawyer involves.
Local rules vary: Bankruptcy is federal, but exemptions that protect property depend partly on state law.
The basics
Bankruptcy courts are units of federal district courts. The most common individual cases are:
- Chapter 7 — non-exempt property may be sold to pay creditors, and most remaining unsecured debt is discharged.
- Chapter 13 — you keep property and repay part of your debts through a three- to five-year plan.
Before filing
You must complete approved credit counseling before filing, and a debtor education course before discharge. Some debts, such as most student loans, recent taxes, and support obligations, usually survive bankruptcy.
Filing without a lawyer
The courts publish official forms and many districts have self-help resources, but mistakes in schedules or exemptions can cost property. Many people consult a lawyer at least once.
Sources
General information, not legal advice.
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