Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is a legal life line for people drowning in debt. Consumers and businesses petition courts to release them from liability for their debts. In a majority of cases, the request is granted.

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What Is Bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy is often thought of as an embarrassing last resort, a duck-and-cover protection against chunks of falling sky.

But it’s more helpful to think of bankruptcy as a legal tool to employ when you or your business cannot repay outstanding debts or obligations.

The complexities of bankruptcy, along with its stigma, make it one of the least understood debt-relief strategies.

What is bankruptcy? Bankruptcy is a proceeding where a judge and court-appointed trustee examine the assets and liabilities of individuals, partnerships and businesses who’ve concluded they can’t pay their debts.

Bankruptcy laws, written to provide a second chance after a financial collapse, require individuals and businesses to follow a number of procedural steps.

Those steps include, but aren’t limited to, providing the bankruptcy court and trustee with detailed financial information, undergoing credit counseling prior to filing, completing more than 20 bankruptcy forms and attending a creditor’s meeting made mandatory by Section 341 of the Bankruptcy Code.

How do you know if and when bankruptcy is right for you?

"The only sign that you should consider talking to a bankruptcy lawyer is having the feeling that you are financially drowning,” said Adrienne Hines, a bankruptcy and workers comp attorney with Kademenos, Wisehart, Hines, Dolyk and Wright in Sandusky, Ohio. “It looks and feels different to everyone, and your own tolerance for anxiety and misery will drive the bus.

“The biggest misconception, by far, is that bankruptcy is a BAD thing. As if liquidating your 401(k) to pay with credit cards is somehow GOOD. It's not. Bankruptcy is just one tool in the financial toolbox. Being smart about your options and exploring your choices are more important than being embarrassed or ashamed.”

How Does Bankruptcy Work?

“The federal government created this bankruptcy code to acknowledge that sometimes we can get in over our head and might need a way out,” Scott Glatstian, associate attorney with Rosenblum Law, said. “When you file for bankruptcy, you are taking the first step in creating a plan to begin your journey toward a new financial life.”

Bankruptcy also gives creditors an opportunity for repayment when assets belonging to an individual or business are liquidated.

All bankruptcy cases are filed in federal court. The drill, in the most general terms: judges examine the bankruptcy filing to determine a debtor’s eligibility and then decide whether to discharge that debt.

A trustee is appointed to represent the debtor’s estate. Most cases are handled between the judge and trustee and don’t require the debtor to appear in the court proceedings.

A decision can be made to discharge, meaning the debtor is no longer liable to pay those debts. Or the judge could dismiss the filing if he or she believes the individual or business has the means to pay their debts.

» Learn More: Can Bankruptcy Be Denied?

Filing for bankruptcy can be a saving grace for people drowning in debt. The numbers support that contention. The American Bankruptcy Institute says that 95.3% of people who file Chapter 7 bankruptcy are successful.

“Filing for bankruptcy is a big decision,” said Ashley Morgan of Ashley F. Morgan Law. PC in Herndon, Va.  “Some people say it should be your last option; I believe it should be something you learn about early, but not your first option.

“Bankruptcy can vary so much from situation to situation that you should know if it is a decent option for you before making any significant decision.”

Who Declares Bankruptcy?

Individuals file for bankruptcy at a far greater rate than businesses, and not just wealthy individuals trying to recover from bad investments.

Of the 387,721 bankruptcy cases filed in 2022, only 13,481 were filed by businesses. Median incomes for individuals filing Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies range from the low $30,000s-to-low-$40,000s.

The vast majority being individual filings stands to reason when you consider people may owe for a mortgage, credit card debt, auto loan or student loan – perhaps all four! – and don’t have the income to pay off that debt.

People also file bankruptcy as a financial planning tool that allows them to restructure their debt. Examples include the need to repay mortgage arrears or taxes.

While filing bankruptcy affects your credit and future ability to use money, people often effectively use it to prevent or delay foreclosure on a home and repossession of a car or stop wage garnishment.

Bankruptcy in the United States

Covid-related financial aid programs helped some people avoid bankruptcy filings in recent years.

The number of filings dropped 6.3% in 2022, from 413,616 to 387,721. While federal student loans can’t be discharged through bankruptcy, the freeze on student debt repayment was one such program that helped people pay off other debt and avoid bankruptcy.

Lower interest rates, rent pauses and increased unemployment benefits during the pandemic also helped individuals avoid Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings.

Not surprisingly, the bankruptcy filing pendulum is showing signs of correction as financial aid programs are ending.

Bankruptcy filings for January 2023 increased 19% compared to January 2022. According to Epig Bankruptcy, February 2023 brought an 18% YOY increase.

The vast majority of bankruptcies are still filed by consumers and not by businesses filing Chapter 11. In 2022, business filings only accounted for 2.9% of bankruptcy filings.

Chapter 7 filings, typically the means of clearing unsecured debts, accounted for 225,455 of the 387,721 cases filed in 2022. They also typically have the highest discharge rate. Ed Flynn, of the American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI), found that 94.9% of Chapter 7 filings in his 2020 study were successfully discharged.

Individuals who used Chapter 13 bankruptcy, known as “wage earner’s bankruptcy,” didn’t have nearly as much success. In fact, of the 246,369 Chapter 13 cases completed in 2020, only 43.2% (106,476) were successfully discharged. The majority of cases – 139,893 – were dismissed and thus unsuccessful.

In 2022, Chapter 13 accounted for 157,087 of the 387,721 filings.

Like the economy, filings in the U.S. rise and fall as evidenced in the statistics on bankruptcy. In fact, they are like dance partners; where one goes, the other usually follows.

Total Number of Bankruptcy Filings by Year Graph

Is Bankruptcy Right For Me?

When asking, “Should I file for bankruptcy?” think hard about how long it would realistically take to pay off your debt.

The bankruptcy code wasn’t designed to punish people forever. If some combination of bad luck and bad choices has devastated you financially – and you don’t see that changing in the next five years – bankruptcy could be your best option.

Even if you don’t qualify for bankruptcy, there is still hope for debt relief. Possible alternatives include a debt management program, a debt consolidation loan or debt settlement. Each typically requires 3-5 years to reach a resolution. None guarantees complete elimination of debt.

Don’t be fooled by how long Chapter 7 bankruptcy takes – the process itself is only 4-6 months. Instead, remember bankruptcy carries significant long-term penalties. It remains on your credit report for 7-10 years and makes it difficult to get future loans at reasonable rates.

The flip side is there is a great mental and emotional lift when all your debts are eliminated, and you’re given a fresh start.

Why Declare Bankruptcy?

“One of the biggest misconceptions about filing bankruptcy is that it means an individual has failed financially or is irresponsible with their finances,” Lyle Solomon of Oak View Law Group, said.

Bankruptcy sometimes stems from unavoidable circumstances, or as a consequence of decisions beyond one’s total control.

  • Divorce: The legal costs can sink you financially, let alone dealing with the fallout of marriage dissolution.
  • A mountain of medical bills: According to a 2019 American Journal of Public Health report, 66.5% of bankruptcies were connected to medical expenses.
  • Poor financial decisions: Excessive credit card use, often because of other budgeting issues, is another leading reason for bankruptcy filings.
  • Job loss: If you don’t have a rainy-day fund – and many people don’t – job loss is a hole in the ceiling allowing debt to pour in.
  • Unexpected emergencies: Theft or loss of property, natural disasters, etc. When you’re already living on a razor’s edge, unexpected events become financial catastrophes.

Having debts discharged through bankruptcy is a safe, legal and practical choice.  Choosing the right time, if possible, can help.

“When you are facing something like a foreclosure or a garnishment, bankruptcy tends to be one of the only options to stop those types of collection activities,” Morgan said. “So, sometimes your hand is forced about when to file.

“Alternatively, if you are not at one of those extremes, it is important to review your situation. If you are in a situation where you are living on credit because your pay is not enough to make ends meet, it may not be the right time to file. Most people won't have access to more than a small credit card or two for a while after bankruptcy.”

How to File for Bankruptcy

After exploring other options, you conclude that filing for bankruptcy can be a lifeline if handled correctly. What then?

It’s as important to know what not to do while filing bankruptcy as it is knowing the proper steps to have a successful filing.

Filing for bankruptcy is a legal process that either reduces, restructures, or eliminates your debts. Whether you get that opportunity is up to the bankruptcy court. You can file for bankruptcy on your own, or you can find a bankruptcy lawyer, which most experts regard as the most prudent avenue.

Bankruptcy costs include attorney fees and filing fees. If you can’t afford to hire an attorney, you may have options for free legal services. If you need help finding an affordable bankruptcy lawyer or locating free legal services, check with the American Bar Association for resources and information.

Before filing, educate yourself. It’s not simply a matter of telling a judge “I’m broke!” and asking for mercy. There is a process – a sometimes confusing, sometimes complicated process – that individuals and businesses must follow.

The steps for filing bankruptcy are:

  • Compile financial records: List your debts, assets, income, and expenses. This gives you, anyone helping you, and eventually the court, a good understanding of your situation.
  • Get credit counseling within 180 days before filing: You can’t file for bankruptcy until you’ve gone through a required bankruptcy counseling. It assures the court you have exhausted all other possibilities before filing for bankruptcy. The counselor must be from an approved provider listed on the U.S. Courts website. Most credit counseling agencies offer this service online or over the phone, and you receive a certificate of completion once it’s done that must be part of the paperwork you file. If you skip this step, your filing will be rejected.
  • File the petition: If you haven’t hired a bankruptcy lawyer yet, this might be the time. Legal counsel is not a requirement for individuals filing for bankruptcy. You can try to file bankruptcy on your own, but you are taking a serious risk. Understanding federal and state bankruptcy laws is essential. Judges are not permitted to offer advice. Neither are court employees. There are many forms to complete and some important differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Not knowing proper procedures and rules could ruin your case. Without legal advice, you risk the bankruptcy trustee seizing and selling your property.
  • Meet with creditors: When your petition is accepted, an appointed trustee sets up a meeting with your creditors. You must attend but your creditors are not required to be there. It’s an opportunity for them to ask you or the court trustee questions about your case.

» Learn More: Can You File Bankruptcy Online?

Types of Bankruptcy

There are six types of bankruptcy – Chapter 7, 9, 11, 12, 13 and 15. Chapter 7 and 13 account for 98.7% of bankruptcy cases in 2021:

  • Chapter 7: A court appointed trustee may sell your assets and distribute the net proceeds to creditors if you have assets not protected by an exemption.
  • Chapter 9: This proceeding provides financially distressed municipalities – cities, townships, school districts, etc. – with protection. It creates a plan to resolve the debt between the municipality and its creditors.
  • Chapter 11: Otherwise known as “reorganization bankruptcy,” Chapter 11 involves a restructuring of a debtor’s business affairs, debts, and assets. Companies use Chapter 11 to restructure debt while remaining open for business.
  • Chapter 12: This is designed for financially distressed “family farmers” and “family fisherman.” The person in debt devises a plan to pay back creditors over 3-5 years.
  • Chapter 13: Chapter 13 enables individuals with regular paychecks to restructure debt and repay some or all creditors. For that reason, it’s often referred to as “wage-earner’s bankruptcy.”
  • Chapter 15: Added to the code in 2005, Chapter 15 bankruptcy provides for cooperation between U.S. courts and foreign courts in the event foreign bankruptcy filings affect financial interests in the U.S.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is generally the best (and most commonly used) option for those with a low income and few assets. In 2022, Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings fell from 288,326 to 225,455 over the previous year.

A successful Chapter 7 bankruptcy can erase unsecured debts. You also could be permitted to keep key assets considered “exempt” property. Non-exempt property will be sold to repay part of your debt. Just know that property exemptions vary state-to-state.

By the end of a successful Chapter 7 filing, the majority (or all) of your debts will be discharged, meaning you won’t have to repay them. Some debts that won’t be discharged in bankruptcy include alimony, child support, some types of unpaid taxes and most types of student loans.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 10 years, but your score could improve over time as you rebuild your finances.  While some individuals may not qualify due to high income, others simply can’t afford Chapter 7 bankruptcy due to the fees and expenses.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 13 bankruptcies make up about 36% of non-business bankruptcy filings. Chapter 13 bankruptcies increased to 157,087 in 2022 from 120,002 in 2021.

A Chapter 13 bankruptcy involves repaying some debts in order to have the rest forgiven. This is an option for people who do not want to give up their property or do not qualify for Chapter 7 because their income is too high.

People can only file for bankruptcy under Chapter 13 if they have less than   $465,275 in unsecured debt in cases filed between April 1, 2022, and March 31, 2025.

They must have less than $1,395,875 in secured debt (houses, cars for example) for cases filed between those same dates.

Under Chapter 13, you must design a 3–5-year repayment plan for creditors. Once you successfully complete the plan, the remaining debts are erased.

However, most people do not successfully finish their plans. When this happens, debtors may then choose to pursue a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If they don’t succeed, creditors can resume their attempts to collect the full balance owed.

Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Chapter 11 is often referred to as “reorganization bankruptcy” because it gives businesses a chance to operate while they restructure the debts and assets to pay back creditors.

This is used primarily by large corporations but can apply to any size business, including partnerships and in some rare cases, individuals. Though the business continues to operate during bankruptcy proceedings, most business decisions require court permission.

There were just 4,836 Chapter 11 filings in 2021, 4,918 in 2022.

Pros and Cons of Bankruptcy

Advantages of Bankruptcy

  • The “automatic stay” provision in bankruptcy law means creditors cannot pursue action against you until the bankruptcy is discharged.
  • Harassing phone calls from creditors stop.
  • Filing bankruptcy provides a second chance to get your debt under control
  • Depending on the type of bankruptcy filed, you may not have to repay some or all of your debt.
  • A third-party court-appointed trustee will handle communication with your creditors and operate on your behalf.
  • You can keep some protected assets in Chapter 7. In Chapter 13, you typically keep assets while repaying debt.
  • Chapter 13 could allow you to prevent a foreclosure or auto repossession.
  • Filing for bankruptcy impacts your credit score but your score could rebound as you go through the process of settling, especially if you consistently pay your bills after declaring bankruptcy.

Downsides of Bankruptcy

  • A bankruptcy discharge could prevent you from getting new lines of credit and may even cause problems when you apply for jobs.
  • Depending on the type of bankruptcy filed, you could lose valuable assets, including your car and home.
  • If federal student loans are the bulk of your debt, filing for bankruptcy won’t help. Only in rare cases is student debt dischargeable through a bankruptcy filing.
  • The cost of filing bankruptcy is typically between $1,000-$2,000 if you don’t qualify for legal aid.
  • Filing for bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 7-10 years.
  • If friends and families have co-signed loans, they could be liable for repaying debt in a bankruptcy filing.
  • You could have trouble gaining future credit, or offered higher interest credit, because you filed for bankruptcy.
  • Bankruptcies are public information and could haunt you in future transactions or job interviews.
  • While bankruptcy can be a lifeline, it also typically does not address the source of your financial distress.
  • Because of the long-term consequences of bankruptcy, some experts say you need at least $15,000 in debt for bankruptcy to be beneficial.

Debts That Cannot Be Forgiven

Getting a “clean slate” through bankruptcy is a relative term. Bankruptcy does not erase all financial responsibilities.

It does not discharge the following types of debts and obligations:

  • Federal student loans (unless you meet very strict criteria)
  • Court-ordered alimony and child support
  • Debts that arise after bankruptcy is filed
  • Some debts incurred in the six months before filing bankruptcy
  • Some taxes
  • Loans obtained fraudulently
  • Debts from personal injury while driving intoxicated

It also does not protect those who co-signed your debts. Your co-signer agreed to pay your loan if you didn’t or couldn’t pay. When you declare bankruptcy, your co-signer still may be legally obligated to pay all or part of your loan.

Alternatives to Filing Bankruptcy

While bankruptcy can offer the best exit plan from crushing financial burden, it’s not a one-size-fits-all remedy.

If you’re uncomfortable with the credit score collateral damage of filing bankruptcy or some of the messier fallout of filing for bankruptcy, you may want to consider the alternatives:

  • Call your loan servicer and inquire about a forbearance or loan modification.
  • Negotiate with creditors on your own. Some creditors (looking to cut their losses) might agree to a repayment schedule that reduces your debt.
  • A debt management plan, typically offered by nonprofit credit counseling agencies, is one way to pay off high interest credit card debt and get your debt under control through financial planning and budgeting.
  • With a debt consolidation loan, a debtor can combine credit card debt with other debts in one monthly payment at a lower interest rate.
  • You might consider debt settlement – an agreement reached between a creditor and a borrower in which a reduced payment is accepted as full payment. Just know debt settlement can damage your credit score along the same lines as bankruptcy.

If these options aren’t possible, it may be worth it to look into low-cost bankruptcy options.

Should I File for Bankruptcy?

Credit counseling is one of the procedural steps people must follow in order to file for bankruptcy. There’s good reason for that.

Credit counseling, particularly non-profit credit counseling, can also be a crucial step in avoiding bankruptcy.

“Any sort of education that can be provided regarding one’s finances and how to manage them can be beneficial,” Glatstian said. “Just be on the lookout for any for-profit company that claims they can magically make your debts go away without filing for bankruptcy. This is often a red flag.”

Conversely, working with a nonprofit credit counselor can put people on the road to making better financial decisions in myriad ways: budgeting, understanding relevant loan options and well-structured debt management programs that can reduce monthly payments and help rebuild poor credit.

A free consultation with a credit counseling agency can provide a debt analysis and personalized action plan based on your income and the amount and type of debt you’re carrying.

Most consultations can be done in a 30-minute phone call and provide important insight into whether bankruptcy vs. credit counseling is the right path for you.

Before deciding, it would also be wise to speak with legal counsel to determine your best option. To learn more about bankruptcy and other debt-relief options, read the Federal Trade Commission’s informational pages.

Bankruptcy FAQs

Court approval is necessary to apply for a new line of credit while your bankruptcy proceedings are ongoing. Depending on the type of bankruptcy filing, new credit card approval could take a few months or as long as 5-6 years.

Yes, but again patience is advisable. As is the case with credit cards, it depends on whether you filed Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 and whether the court dismissed or discharged your bankruptcy. A conventional loan could take as long as four years, though there’s more leeway with government-backed loans.

Generally, there are no tax implications for individuals filing bankruptcy. But if you are expecting a tax refund, a bankruptcy trustee can keep that refund to pay creditors. In Chapter 7, that can happen only once while in Chapter 13 that can happen every year of your repayment plan.

Not always. It could if the debts are held jointly but if one spouse files bankruptcy without the other, only the filing spouse’s debts are discharged.

Child support cannot be forgiven by filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Bankruptcy trustees appointed to your case have child support reporting requirements so you’ll need to seek other avenues of child support help.

Employers cannot use a bankruptcy to terminate your employment. But bankruptcies could be taken into consideration by private employers in future job interviews.

Most retirement accounts, including your 401K, are protected from creditors when you file for bankruptcy.

It’s not a promising sign of second-chance success if you’re wondering how often you can file bankruptcy. Just know that while there’s no law limiting the number of times you can file, there are time restrictions between filings.

More than 60% of bankruptcy filings include significant amounts of medical debt. So, it’s no wonder the term "medical bankruptcy" was coined. But there’s no specific bankruptcy filing for medical debt. It is treated like any other non-priority debt and thus can be cleared through bankruptcy if a debtor doesn’t have the assets to pay it off.

Bankruptcy can stop a foreclosure because of the automatic stay that bankruptcy filings provide. Short of mounting a foreclosure defense though, whether you can stop a foreclosure temporarily or permanently depends on whether you file Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13.

About The Author

Bill Fay

Bill “No Pay” Fay has lived a meager financial existence his entire life. He started writing/bragging about it in 2012, helping birth Debt.org into existence as the site’s original “Frugal Man.” Prior to that, he spent more than 30 years covering the high finance world of college and professional sports for major publications, including the Associated Press, New York Times and Sports Illustrated. His interest in sports has waned some, but he is as passionate as ever about not reaching for his wallet. Bill can be reached at [email protected].

Article Reviewed By

Article Reviewed By

Patrick J Best - Bankruptcy Attorney

Patrick J. Best

Bankruptcy Attorney
Certified Financial Planner

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