Bankruptcy is a proceeding under federal law whereby you are granted partial or complete relief from the payment of your debts.  This relief is provided in the form of an “automatic stay” issued automatically and immediately upon the filing of the bankruptcy petition which stops all creditor collection activities.  The Bankruptcy Court enters an order at the end of the case relieving you from responsibility for paying certain debts.  This final order is called the "discharge."

An individual, a partnership or a corporation may file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.  Only individuals may file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy.  The information contained herein is for the individual debtor.  If you are married you can file by yourself or file a joint petition with your spouse.  If you have filed a bankruptcy petition that you voluntarily dismissed in the last six months, you may not be able to file until the six months has elapsed.

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