There are two different types of bankruptcy that can be used in most cases. Each one has a different set of rules and guidelines that you must follow in order to qualify for and get the bankruptcy. If you are considering bankruptcy, it is important to understand the differences in these types of bankruptcy and to choose the one that best fits your needs and the one that you qualify for.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

This is the type of bankruptcy that is most often used by individual debtors. It allows for an individual or married couple to wipe out their debt by taking property and liquidating it. The money from the property is then used to pay off the debt that the individual has incurred. In some states, certain property can be retained. Only property that is exempt under the bankruptcy laws is eligible. In most cases, it will be cars and homes that are in good standing with their creditors. In some states, you will lose your home. This is the fastest way to get out of debt but one that is going to wipe you clean of assets.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

In this type of bankruptcy, the debtor and creditor work out a plan that allows the debtor to pay off their debt in a payment plan. Most of the time, this process will happen through the paycheck of the individual. As long as the payment plan is in effect, the creditor will not take your home or possessions and you will not lose them. It is a good thing for those creditors that would have lost more if a Chapter 7 were filled and a good thing for the debtor because they can work on improving their overall credit.

Determining which type of bankruptcy is the right choice for you is difficult. If you can afford to pay off the debt through a Chapter 13, it is likely to do the least amount of damage to your credit. A Chapter 7 will remain on your credit report for up to ten years. Nonetheless, it is wise to talk to your attorney about which type of bankruptcy is the right choice for your needs.

About the Author

Ken Austin is the webmaster at ">http://bankruptcy.creditreliefonline.com/">http://bankruptcy.creditreliefonline.com/ . To learn more about different ">http://bankruptcy.creditreliefonline.com/"> types of bankruptcy and bankruptcy options, please visit the bankruptcy">http://bankruptcy.creditreliefonline.com/">bankruptcy resource guide

A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to Bankruptcy... Bankruptcy Tips And Helpful Alternatives Copyright 2005 Dean Shainin Before you file bankruptcy, it is a good idea to look into other alternatives if at all possible. New bankruptcy laws make it more difficult to file than it used to be. Why Has Filing For Bankruptcy Doubled? From the period of 1994 to 2004, filing for bankruptcy has doubled. Bankruptcy filing has spun out of control with consumers being targeted with easy credit. This has become a major cause for bankruptcy cases. New Bankruptcy Laws? There is now a new law for bankruptcy that was passed called the "Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act". People struggling to pay their credit debts are now going to have to deal with this new bankruptcy law. Bankruptcy Can Stay On Your Credit Report For 10 Years Filing for bankruptcy can be on your credit for up to a decade. It's a good idea to look into alternatives for bankruptcy. Buying anything on credit can be a real challenge for many years after you file...

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