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Chapter 9, entitled Adjustment of Debts of a Municipality, is only available to municipalities that wish to reorganize. Chapter 11, entitled Reorganization, is most often filed by businesses and individuals whose debt limits exceeds those of Chapter 13. Chapter 12, entitled Adjustment of Debts of a Family Farmer or Fisherman With Regular Annual Income, is similar to Chapter 13 but is available only to family farmers or fishermen. For a full discussion of these Chapters, please see Bankruptcy Basics, an article by the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts.

Prior to receiving a discharge, the debtor must also complete an instructional course in personal financial management from an approved nonprofit budget and credit counseling agency. Once this course is completed, the debtor receives a certificate that will be filed with the court.

The bankruptcy case is started by filing a document called a petition in federal bankruptcy court. Once a case is opened, the debtor is required to file a set of official forms that includes schedules of assets, liabilities, income and expenses, a statement of financial affairs, and a mailing list of creditors. The court mails a notice of the bankruptcy case to each party on the mailing list filed by the debtor. This notice contains vital information about the case including the date the case was filed, the date of the 341 Meeting of Creditors, and important deadlines.

When a bankruptcy case is successfully completed, the individual debtor receives a discharge and the case is officially closed. The debtor can then begin the process of re-building their credit. Individuals should always be weary of the avalanche of credit card applications they will inevitably receive after they receive their discharge. However, responsibly entering into a new credit agreement for a very small debt and making on-time payments may be a way to begin rebuilding credit. Debtors can also monitor their credit reports and correct any reporting mistakes by creditors to the credit reporting agencies that is reflecting negatively on their credit rating.