Choosing Bankruptcy: Chapter 7 Versus Chapter 13

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Fear of financial devastation or ruin caused over 1.5 million Americans to file bankruptcy in 2010. (Chapter 13) Statistics provided by the U.S. Bankruptcy Courts show that financial hardship can strike anyone (U.S. Bankruptcy). According to The Nations Health magazine, medical bankruptcies comprised two thirds of all bankruptcies filed in 2007, meaning the debtor’s list of creditors included some sort of delinquent medical bills (Currie). Christine Dugas points out in USA Today that as the unemployment rate increases so will bankruptcy filings (Dugas). These statistics show that financial hardship and the need for the fresh start that bankruptcy can provide can strike anyone, therefore, understanding the differences in requirements, process, and outcome of the two different types of bankruptcies most commonly filed, Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, is vital for those choosing an option out of their financial trouble.

Although a debtor may be able to file either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, the requirements vary enough that some debtors may only have one choice of filing. Title 11 of The United States Code describes two major items to consider in its regulation of the two bankruptcies, assets and disposable income (US Courts). In the case of individuals, assets are every tangible article or item a person possesses, such as, cars, homes, or personal property (Bankruptcy). Although having assets is possible when filing Chapter 7, the common rule is that a debtor should follow this avenue when they possess no other assets besides personal property with minimal value, everyday use vehicles, and/or a primary residence. On the other hand, Chapter 13 permits a debtor to possess and retain any assets their funds allow. In bankruptcy terms, di...

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...al position allows for a fresh start and future success. Analyzing the requirements, process, and outcome will ensure a sound choice is selected.

Works Cited

“Bankruptcy Glossary.” Find Law. Find Law, 2011. Web. 23 June 2011

“Chapter 13 vs. Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.” Find Law. Find Law, 2011. Web. 23 June 2011.

Currie, Donya. “Illness, medical bills linked to banktuptcy.” Nation in Brief. The Nation’s

Health, August 2009. Web. 22 June 2011.

Dugas, Christine. "Bankruptcy filings on the rise." USA Today. USA Today, 3 June 2009. Web.

22 June 2011.

“U.S. Bankruptcy Courts––Bankruptcy Cases Commenced, Terminated and Pending.” Table.

United States. Courts. “Judicial Business of the United States Courts 2010 Annual Report of the Director.” United States Courts. US Courts. Web. 23 June 2011.

US Courts. US Courts. Web. 23 June 2011.

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