• Bankruptcy is a legal proceeding carried out in order for individuals or legal entities to be freed from their debts, while at the same time providing creditors with the opportunity to repay them.

  • Bankruptcy is dealt with in federal courts, and the rules are set out in the US Bankruptcy Code.
  • There are various types of bankruptcy, commonly referred to as the appropriate chapter of the US Bankruptcy Code.
  • For example, chapter 11 on bankruptcy allows businesses to reorganize and revive, while chapter 7 deals with individual bankruptcy.
  • Bankruptcy may allow you to start a new life, but it will stay on your credit reports for several years and make it difficult to borrow in the future.