Personal bankruptcy is a legal way to give people with overwhelming debt a fresh financial start. However, it is important to realize that certain forms of debt, such as student loans, are not forgiven through the bankruptcy process. Bankruptcy can have a devastating impact to your credit report and credit score. Bankruptcy will often remain on your credit report for as long as 10 years. During this time it can be next to impossible to obtain loans or any type of credit. If you are able to find a lender that is willing to do business with you, you will pay the highest possible interest rates allowed by law.

Quite often, lawyers are quick to suggest bankruptcy but, they don't always explain how damaging bankruptcy can be. Why would a lawyer do this? The answer is simple; If you dont file for bankruptcy, they don't get paid. The best thing that you can do is obtain independent information if you are considering bankruptcy. This way you become informed in an unbiased manner.

There are two forms of bankruptcy:

Chapter 13 involves reorganizing your debt in such a way that you a can keep the property you might otherwise lose, For example, a car or home. Chapter 13 will allow you 3-5 years to pay-off the items you have as opposed to losing them entirely.

Chapter 7 is the most straightforward form of bankruptcy. It involves liquidating all of your assets. However, this can depend upon the laws for the state in which you live. Traditionally, a court appointed representative will sell your personal property or it will simply be returned to the creditors that you owe money to. Federal law only allows consumers to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy every six years.