Chapter 7 & Chapter 13 help
A fresh financial start, with or without a lawyer
Prepare your own bankruptcy paperwork with our free step-by-step tool, or connect with an experienced bankruptcy lawyer near you.
- Free, no sign-up
- Your answers stay on your device
- Lawyers in all 50 states
Two ways to get help
Choose the path that fits your situation
Many people with simple cases file on their own. If you own a home, run a business, or have a complicated situation, a lawyer is usually worth it.
File it yourself
Our guided tool asks plain-English questions, then fills in the official court forms with your answers.
- Chapter 7 means test estimate
- List of every form and document you need
- Official court forms filled in for you
- Alerts when your situation needs a lawyer
Work with a bankruptcy lawyer
Search bankruptcy attorneys and law firms by state and city. Many offer a free first consultation.
- Protect your home, car, and savings
- Handle the court and the trustee for you
- Best for Chapter 13, businesses, and complex cases
- Bring your worksheet from our tool to save time
How the free tool works
From a pile of bills to an organized filing
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Answer simple questions
Tell us about your household, income, property, and debts. Save your progress and come back anytime.
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See where you stand
Get a means test estimate, a list of the official forms you need, and warnings about anything risky.
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Fill in and file
Download your filled-in forms, finish the few items we flag, sign, and file with your bankruptcy court.
Know your options
Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 at a glance
Most individuals file under one of these two chapters of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
| Chapter 7 | Chapter 13 | |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Wipes out most unsecured debts, such as credit cards and medical bills | Repays some or all debt through a court-approved plan |
| How long | Usually about 4 to 6 months | 3 to 5 years |
| Who qualifies | People who pass the means test (income below the state median, or enough expenses) | People with regular income and debts under the legal limits |
| Your property | Exempt property is protected; non-exempt property may be sold | You generally keep your property while you follow the plan |
| Good for | Lower income, few assets, mostly unsecured debt | Saving a home from foreclosure, catching up on a car loan, higher income |
Common questions
Can I file bankruptcy without a lawyer?
Yes. Individuals may represent themselves (this is called filing pro se). Simple Chapter 7 cases are the most common self-filed cases. Chapter 13 is much harder to complete successfully without a lawyer.
How much does it cost to file?
The court charges a filing fee, which you can ask to pay in installments. In Chapter 7, people with low income can ask the court to waive it. You also need to take two short courses (credit counseling before filing and a debtor education course after), which are usually inexpensive.
Will I lose my house or car?
Not necessarily. Exemption laws protect a certain amount of value in your home, car, and other property. The amounts depend on your state. Chapter 13 can also help you keep property while you catch up on payments.
Is the filing tool really private?
Yes. Your answers are stored only in your browser on your own device. They are never sent to us. See our privacy policy.
Are you a bankruptcy attorney?
Reach people in your area who are actively looking for bankruptcy help. Get your firm listed in our directory.