What Is Bankruptcy? Here Are All the Need-to-Know Details

“I. Declare. Bankruptcyyyyyy!”

As Michael Scott learned in “The Office,” getting rid of debt isn’t as simple as that announcement. Wouldn’t that be nice?

Many people think of filing bankruptcy as an easy way out. But these people have never filed bankruptcy.

In reality, bankruptcy is a drastic measure for shoring up your finances and getting your debt under control when you’ve exhausted all other options. And it comes with consequences — mainly a serious hit to your credit.

But it can also be a lifeline. Bankruptcy creates an orderly, sanctioned plan that tells you who you have to pay back and how much. That sense of order alone can be a relief for anyone staring into a pile of past-due bills.

We’ll explain how bankruptcy works, the different types of filings and how it ultimately affects your bottom line.

What Is Bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy is a legal process by which an individual, couple or corporation with significant debt is either relieved of that debt or allowed to pay it off under a specified plan.

That may sound really appealing if you’ve got debt up to your eyeballs, but realize that even after filing bankruptcy, you may still have to repay your debt.

While for some people, bankruptcy is better than having their wages garnished or their homes put into foreclosure, it should be a last resort for getting rid of debt.

But if you’re out of options, bankruptcy can give you a chance to get your debt under control and get creditors and collectors off your back (and out of your bank account).

Here’s How Bankruptcy Works

The process is extremely complex, so don’t expect to go through it alone — and don’t expect it to be cheap.

First, you’ll file with the bankruptcy court in your federal judicial district. There’s at least one in every state. In most cases, this administrative process is carried out by a trustee appointed to your case.

Before bankruptcy, consider trying a debt management plan. It lets you roll all your credit card debts into one monthly payment, helping you repay the debt faster and at a lower interest.

The trustee helps you file paperwork and oversees your assets during the case. They’re an impartial player who can challenge creditors’ claims or yours, based on conversations with both.

Then a bankruptcy judge decides whether to discharge your debts. The judge could deny you for a few reasons:

• You failed to keep or produce adequate financial records.
• You failed to explain any loss of assets.
• You committed a crime, e.g., perjury.
• You failed to obey a lawful order of the bankruptcy court.
• You hid property that should have been included in your assets.

But in general, if you’re able to show your inability to repay debts, you should be granted a discharge.

If they rule in your favor, you’re released from personal responsibility for your debts, and creditors can’t take any more action to collect them.

Bankruptcy Will Trash Your Credit Score

Bankruptcy will be a black mark on your credit history — one that lasts up to 10 years.

But if you’re in over your head with debt, your credit is probably already pretty marred already.

Some experts say bankruptcy won’t hurt your credit much more than a poor payment history. Just make sure filing bankruptcy is really your best option, because the aftermath is not fun.

Here’s one woman’s story of what it feels like to declare bankruptcy and how she repaired her credit afterward.

Types of Bankruptcy for Individuals

Individuals and couples can file one of two types of bankruptcy.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 is the most common and is often referred to as liquidation bankruptcy. It’s for individuals who can prove they don’t have the income or means to pay off debts.

Filing for bankruptcy doesn’t mean you’ll lose everything you own. In fact, in most Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases, most of what is considered “reasonably necessary” to live and work is considered exempt. In many cases that can include your car and primary home.

Your 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b) plans are all considered protected assets, which means you do not have to use any of the money in those accounts to settle your bankruptcy debts.

However, if you’re way behind on your mortgage payments or already in the process of foreclosure, you could potentially lose your home. Or if you own a car that’s worth significant money (think $15,000 or more), the trustee might sell it to pay down your debt. The rules and exemptions vary from state to state.

There is no debt limit for Chapter 7, but your “means” to pay off your debt will be tested and anyone who files for it is required to take credit counseling courses within six months of filing.

Most people can expect the process to take anywhere from three to six months.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 13 — or “wage-earner bankruptcy” — is for people whose income makes them ineligible for Chapter 7. Individuals and families who file Chapter 13 will work with a trustee to restructure and reorganize their debt and pay it back over three to five years, in which time debtors are not allowed to take on any additional debt.

You won’t have to liquidate any assets in Chapter 13, meaning you can keep your house. Instead, your payment plan will be determined by your household income and how it compares to your state’s median income.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy does come with some debt limits. According to the Federal Judiciary, you can only have:

• $1,184,200 in secured debt, i.e., debt that is secured by collateral, like a house or car.
• $394,725 in unsecured debt.

Federal law requires you to make your first payment to your trustee 30 days after filing.

Other Types of Bankruptcy

The Federal Judiciary describes bankruptcy as it applies to businesses and less common types of bankruptcies. Here’s a basic overview:

Type	Typically Used by	Basic Requirements	Debt Limit	Filing Fee*
Chapter 7	Individuals	Prove you don't have the means to repay debts	n/a	$335
Chapter 13	Individuals	Have reliable income and the ability to repay debts	$419,275 unsecured; $1,257,850 secured	$310
Chapter 11	Businesses	Be engaged in commercial or business activities	$2,725,625	$1,717
Chapter 9	Municipalities, including cities, counties and school districts	Municipality must be insolvent	n/a	$1,717
Chapter 12	Family farmers and fisherman	Individual or married couple whose primary income and debt are related to the farming or fishing operation	$10,000,000 farming; $1,924,550 fishing	$275
Chapter 15	Foreign debtors	Case must involve parties outside of the U.S.	n/a	$1,717

*Debt limit, fees and requirements are accurate as of October 2020.

 

What to Expect When You File Bankruptcy

The process is pretty involved, and you’ll want to consult with a bankruptcy attorney to make decisions for your individual case. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect.

Bankruptcy Fees

You can apply to have Chapter 7 fees waived (with this form) or set up a payment plan for Chapter 13 fees if you can’t afford them upfront. To be eligible for a waiver, your household income should be less than 150% of the poverty line (calculated for you here), and you have to be unable to pay the fee in installments.

Additionally, you’ll be responsible for legal fees, which will vary — but a few thousand dollars is not uncommon.

Automatic Stay

Once you file bankruptcy, creditors and collectors have to stop trying to collect the money you owe them while the case is open.

That’s called an “automatic stay.”

If a company continues to try to collect during the stay, it’s violating a court order. Let the company know in writing, and the collections will likely stop. If they don’t, notify the bankruptcy court, which can punish the company for violating a court order.

Remember: Bankruptcy (Almost) Never Discharges These Debts

Debtors typically use bankruptcy to discharge credit card or medical debt. But many types of debt can’t be discharged, including:

• Student loan debt (except sometimes).
• Child support.
• Alimony.
• Most tax debts.
• Debt you owe someone as a result of a criminal or civil charge, e.g., injury caused by a DUI.

For auto loans, your debt may be discharged, but it could mean the creditor can seize the property you took a loan against — they could repossess your car, for example.

You can instead choose to “reaffirm” the debt, or leave it out of the bankruptcy discharge, and you’ll remain responsible for paying it off. And you get to keep your property.

Beware Bankruptcy Fraud

Remember when you’re filing: Bankruptcy is a legal action judged in federal court. So if you try to pull one over on your judge or trustee, expect some serious consequences. Here are some major no-nos:

• Concealing assets to avoid having to forfeit them.
• Intentionally filing false or incomplete forms.
• Filing multiple times using either false or real information in several jurisdictions.
• Bribing a court-appointed trustee.

If you’re caught doing any of these you could be fined, denied discharge or face criminal charges.

Dana Sitar is a former writer and editor at The Penny Hoarder. 

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