You hear the term chapter 7 bankruptcy quite a lot these days, however normally a proper explanation of exactly what it is is not included. Sadly many folks make dreadful errors in their bankruptcy filing because of this lack of explanation.



It is more than understandable that most of us will want to avoid getting into bankruptcy proceedings. Naturally the idea of being in a situation where your debts are worth more than what you earn is not very popular.

There isn't just one kind of bankruptcy proceeding, in fact there are a number including chapter 7 (the focus of this article) and Chapter 11. Chapter seven is more for individuals.

The Definition Of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

According to the law and the United States court system, Chapter 7 bankruptcy refers to liquidation of assets that are not legally exempt from liquidation in order to pay off creditors and debtors.

Businesses/partnerships/corporations and individuals can apply for a chapter 7 bankruptcy. It is also important to note that individuals do also have a special clause open solely to them.

That special clause is known as a "discharge." What a discharge refers to is the freeing of the individual from certain debts.

Filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Generally speaking to file a chapter 7 bankruptcy one mast supply the courts with copies of their tax returns, contracts of an executive nature, statements of financial affairs, all proof of liabilities and assets as well as documents to prove one's current income and necessary expenses.

For individuals other additional documentation has to be supplied to the courts. As an individual you can expect to have to supply copies of statements of income and or employee payments, credit counseling reports etc, also students will need to supply documentation for interest payments on student loans.

If you are in a situation where filing chapter 7 bankruptcy or any other bankruptcy type is a necessity, make sure you take a visit to the US courts website. Also make sure that if you do need to take action in the way of a bankruptcy proceeding you get a good professional lawyer to deal with your case.