The perception of filing for bankruptcy often offers negative perspectives because society sees it as a personal failure.
The reality of bankruptcy, no matter which chapter you choose, is that you're creating a new opportunity for yourself. Depending upon your situation, bankruptcy law may be able to stop collections. It may be able to stay foreclosure proceedings.
It is more than a chance to be free from your debt. It is an opportunity to end your stress.
If you are filing for personal bankruptcy, then your two options are a Chapter 7 process or a Chapter 13 process.
To qualify for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy that eliminates most, if not all, of your unsecured debt, you must be able to pass a "means test." Your income must be low enough to prove that you are unable to repay at least a portion of your debt.
If you do not qualify for a Chapter 7, then you still have the option of a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Under this bankruptcy chapter, you're creating a new plan to repay part (or all) of your debt over 3 to 5 years. During this time, creditors are unable to start or continue their collection efforts.
For businesses, a Chapter 11 bankruptcy provides businesses with benefits that are similar to the Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing.