To file for bankruptcy in the United States, you must file a petition with the federal bankruptcy court in your district. You will also need to complete a credit counseling course from an approved agency within 180 days before filing. The two most common types for individuals are Chapter 7, which can discharge most unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bills, and Chapter 13, which sets up a 3-to-5-year repayment plan for debts you can partially afford.
If you are asking this question, you are likely facing a significant financial hardship—possibly job loss, a medical crisis, or a divorce that has left you with debt you cannot manage. Your debt is probably a mix of unsecured obligations, and you may be dealing with wage garnishment, lawsuits, or constant collection calls. The risk level here is high: bankruptcy can stop collection actions and give you a fresh start, but it will damage your credit score for 7 to 10 years and may require you to sell non-exempt assets in a Chapter 7 case.
Before you file, you need to gather a clear picture of your finances. List all your debts, their types, and current statuses—whether they are current, delinquent, or in collections. Also document your monthly income, expenses, and any assets you own, including your home, car, and bank accounts. This information will help you determine if you qualify for Chapter 7 under the means test or if Chapter 13 is more realistic.
A professional review is useful here because bankruptcy has long-term consequences and eligibility rules vary. Debt relief options, including bankruptcy alternatives, depend on your state, the type of debt you have, the severity of your hardship, whether accounts are current or charged off, and your partner’s criteria if you have joint debts.
A practical first step is to get a private, no-obligation assessment of your situation. You can use the DebtSense AI assessment on this site’s homepage to review your debts and income confidentially. It gives you a preliminary look at what options may be available before you speak with a lawyer or file anything. This helps you move forward with a clearer, calmer plan.
Debt question guide