The initial filing of a bankruptcy application will immediately halt bank foreclosures on homes, creditor seizure of automobiles, bothersome debt collections calls, as well as threatening letters from attorneys and creditors.

The federal bankruptcy process assigns a trustee appointed by the court, to administer consumer and business applications seeking a release from debt. A court then approves the trustee's plan.

Once a petition for bankruptcy is approved, those debts enumerated in the trustee plan are said to be "discharged." This means you no longer have any obligation to pay those debts, and just as important, your creditors can no longer harass or otherwise pursue attempts to collect those debts.

It is important for petitioners to follow the correct procedures when filing for bankruptcy. That is why it is an important step to speak with an Unbundled Bankruptcy Attorney prior to completing and filing your application.

Types of Bankruptcy

There are a number of different types of bankruptcy that apply to various types of financial circumstances, both personal and in business. It's important you fully understand the differences before filing a bankruptcy for debt relief.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Chapter 7, also called "liquidation" or "straight bankruptcy," is the process by which a debtor's assets are sold, creditors receive payment, and you are released from the obligation to pay the debt.

Chapter 7 is the most popular form of bankruptcy because it allows debtors to keep certain kinds of assets (exempt property) while agreeing to allow the trustee to liquidate others (non-exempt property).

Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Chapter 11 procedures are more restrictive than Chapter 7 but are well-suited for business owners who have accumulated excessive debt.

A Chapter 11 bankruptcy application allows you to keep your businesses going and keep vital business assets. These plans reorganize debts so that a portion of the old debt is paid back, but the business continues to operate.

This category of bankruptcy often involves higher costs for the petitioner, however, so a consultation with your Unbundled Bankruptcy Attorney may be critical for making a careful evaluation of Chapter 11 is suitable for your business prior to filing an application.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Individuals and couples who can count on a steady stream of income to support their bankruptcy application should consider a Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing.

Instead of wiping debt off the books, such as in a Chapter 7 procedure, Chapter 13 petitioners agree to pay back a portion of their existing debt which prevents them from having to relinquish their assets to the trustee.

Under Chapter 13 bankruptcy you can usually expect to keep much of your property while discharging most of your accumulated debt. It will also halt foreclosure and seizure actions by creditors.

Pros and Cons of Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is a legal framework that provides a fresh start with previous debts erased or discharged by the courts. Most importantly, it can halt bothersome and often aggressive collection methods that can be very disruptive both personally and for your business.

However, the resolution of previous debts through the federal bankruptcy laws will impact your credit rating and remain on your credit report for ten years, making it difficult for you to obtain credit in the future.

An important step is to request a free consultation with an Unbundled Bankruptcy Attorney, so you can get the guidance and advice you need to determine whether bankruptcy is an appropriate solution for your individual circumstances.