Types of Bankruptcy & Bankruptcy Courts

This page contains informations on the types of Bankruptcy as well as links to important bankruptcy Court websites.

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Types of Bankruptcy: Individuals who file for bankruptcy most commonly file under Chapter 7 (liquidation) or Chapter 13 (reorganization). This decision depends on several factors including your income, debts, whether you are behind on a mortgage or car payments, and whether you want to keep your assets.

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Types of Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 Filing Requirements, Steps, and Forms

Find resources on Chapter 7, for people whose income is below a certain amount based on your state’s Median Income. Chapter 7 allows you to keep your assets that are exempt by law from your creditors, but may have to give up non-exempt assets to pay debts. Chapter 7 does not provide a way to catch up on house or car payments, so you may still lose those assets or be evicted if you are behind on payments. If you complete the required steps on time, you will receive a discharge of your debts, usually in about four months.

Chapter 13 Filing Requirements, Steps, and Forms

Find resources on Chapter 13, for people with regular income who can repay all or part of their debts within 3-5 years. Your debts cannot exceed a certain limit. (If they do, contact an experienced bankruptcy attorney about a possible Chapter 11 bankruptcy). Chapter 13 gives you the opportunity to catch up on mortgage or car payments and to participate in the Mortgage Modification Program. You will make monthly payments to your trustee, who will make payments to your creditors under your court-approved plan.

Bankruptcy Court

Bankruptcy Court Website

Learn about the Bankruptcy Court and their services on their main website.

Bankruptcy Court Resources

Find useful information on bankruptcy, terminology, and other resources.

Bankruptcy Court Locations

There is one Bankruptcy Court with two courthouses. Learn more on where you should file your case.

Information for Debtors

Find information specifically for debtors including what to do before you file, filing requirements, and forms.

Court Calendars

Check the Bankruptcy Court calendars for scheduled hearings and information about remote hearings, and how to request a hearing date in your case.

Adversary Proceedings

An adversary proceeding is a lawsuit arising in or relating to a bankruptcy case. Find information on the Bankruptcy Court’s website on Adversary Complaint Packet for debtors who are representing themselves in an adversary proceeding.