Types Of Bankruptcies

By U Learn It | February 13, 2010

These days from all over the world we hear of cases where even large companies have gone bankrupt with the recession taking it toll on businesses and businessmen. It’s surprising therefore that even those who are filing for bankruptcy is sometimes not fully aware of the types of bankruptcy.

Some appear to have taken this whole process rather lightly thinking that it is the easy way out and this is certainly not advisable. You should know that there are different ways to stop yourself from as many would call it ‘going broke’. Of course this should be the very last resort. However if you are absolutely sure that you are bankrupt you should educate yourself about the types of bankruptcy to know what would apply in your particular case.

If you are not aware even about the very basics it would help you to know that there are 2 main types of bankruptcy namely, chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcy. Chapter 7 bankruptcy relates to a case where it’s quite obvious. It’s commonly called ‘straight bankruptcy’. If you happen to own very little property and has a lot of unsecured debt then this is relavent to you.

Among the types of bankruptcy chapter 13 is the next commonly known item. This is quite different from chapter 7. You would have to pay all or a considerable amount of your debt through your income and the time period could be anything between 3 – 5 years. Your secured debt should be less that $750000 and unsecured debt should also be less than $250000.

Most of your debt will be cancelled if you fall under chapter 7 among the types of bankruptcy. However note that any debt in the form of federal tax bills or child support will have to be paid. Note that in both chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcy it will be mentioned in your credit history and this is one good reason to use it as the last resort.

Chapters 9, 11 and 12 are the some of the other lesser known items in types of bankruptcies. Those categorized as family farmers fall under chapter 12 while chapter 9 pertains to municipalities and governmental units. Chapter 11 on the other hand is relavent to those individuals with fair incomes and assets.

Choosing the correct chapter among the types of bankruptcy is one very important task that would be determined by your circumstances and if your knowledge on the subject of types of bankruptcy is insufficient it’s advisable to seek professional help because the matter in question is one which happens to be very delicate.