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Bankruptcies for individuals and small businesses fall within two categories: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. There are other types of bankruptcies for family farmers or fishermen (Chapter 12), for large business (Chapter 11), and (rarely used) for railroads and municipalities.

In bankruptcy you must list all creditors to whom you owe money (aside from your living expenses that you pay off every month). You cannot pick and choose which credit cards to list. Generally most credit card companies will close your account.

Bankruptcy will not discharge child support or alimony, court fines, or recent taxes. Other nondischargable debts include intentional injury, injury caused while driving drunk or debts involving theft, fraud, or embezzlement. Student loans are nondischargable except in very narrow circumstances. Some debts (such as orders to pay money in domestic cases other than for support) are nondischargable in Chapter 7 but can be discharged in Chapter 13.

Yes. Immediately upon the filing of your case an order is entered in the Bankruptcy Court that all creditor actions must cease all phone calls, lawsuits, garnishments, and foreclosures. Creditors take this court order seriously and there are very few violations.

No. In the USA, Federal Bankruptcy Law forbids the government from discriminating against anyone for filing a bankruptcy petition. In the bankruptcy process, no one will inquire about your citizenship status. If you do not have a legal Social Security number, we will assist you in applying, without risk or penalty, for a Tax Identification Number.