What is Bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy is a federal court proceeding designed to provide individuals and businesses with a way to address debt problems. It is intended to provide debtors with a “fresh start” or debt relief, while treating creditors fairly. There are six types of bankruptcy: Chapter 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, and 15. This material discusses Chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcies – the chapters most commonly used by consumers. Chapter 9 is for municipalities. Chapter 11 is typically for business reorganization. Chapter 12 is for family farmer and fisherman reorganization, and Chapter 15 is to recognize a foreign bankruptcy proceeding.
What does 'Pro Se' mean?
An appearance in Court is pro se if the party represents himself/herself without an attorney.
- Approved Credit Counseling Agencies
- Approved Financial Management agencies
- Anatomy of a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Case
- Anatomy of a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Case
- Chapter 7 Pre-filing Checklist
- Chapter 13 Pre-filing Checklist
- Fee Waiver Information - 2023 Poverty Guidelines
- Fee Waiver Information - 2022 Poverty Guidelines
- Fee Waiver Information - 2021 Poverty Guidelines
- Glossary of Legal Terms
- IRS Expense Guidelines
- Median Income Guidelines (Effective 11/01/2022)
- Median Income Guidelines (Effective 04/01/2022)
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