{"id":357973,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:18","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/bankruptcy-law.html"},"modified":"2023-09-18T12:36:41","modified_gmt":"2023-09-18T17:36:41","slug":"bankruptcy-law","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/bankruptcy-law.html","title":{"rendered":"What Is Bankruptcy Law?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">What Is Bankruptcy Law?<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/jade-yeban-j-d\/\">Jade Yeban, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/melissa-bender-esq\/\">Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last reviewed\n        <time>\n                            September 18, 2023\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">Bankruptcy law helps individuals and businesses who can\u2019t pay their debts get relief through a court\u2011supervised process that wipes out or reorganizes what they owe. A bankruptcy attorney guides filers through eligibility rules, paperwork, and court requirements so they can protect their assets and work toward a financial fresh start.<\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on the type of bankruptcy filed, people may eliminate unsecured debts, create a structured repayment plan, or restructure a business to keep it operating.<\/p>\n<p>Bankruptcy law is a set of rules that help people who can&#8217;t pay their debts get a fresh start. Bankruptcy law allows individuals or businesses who are struggling with debts, like credit card balances or medical bills, get debt relief. It&#8217;s a legal process that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/before-you-file\/can-i-file-bankruptcy-without-a-lawyer.html\">may involve a bankruptcy attorney<\/a> to help navigate the complex rules and requirements.<\/p>\n<p>This section provides an overview of bankruptcy law. You&#8217;ll also learn why getting legal advice from a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bankruptcy attorney<\/a> can help protect your long\u2011term financial interests.<\/p>\n<h2>Types of Bankruptcy<\/h2>\n<p>Bankruptcy is a legal procedure initiated by an individual or a business that cannot pay its debts and seeks to have the debts discharged or reorganized by the courts. The three most common types of bankruptcy proceedings are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/chapter-7.html\">Chapter 7<\/a> individual petitions<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/business-bankruptcy\/chapter-11-bankruptcy.html\">Chapter 11<\/a> business reorganization and rehabilitation petitions<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/chapter-13.html\">Chapter 13<\/a> wage earners&#8217; plans<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Chapter 7 bankruptcy allows filers to clear unsecured debts like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/what-is-bankruptcy\/can-filing-for-bankruptcy-clear-credit-card-debt.html\">credit card debts<\/a>. People must pass a means test to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If you qualify, you may be able to keep some property through exemptions.<\/p>\n<p>Unlike Chapter 7, Chapter 13 bankruptcy lets people make a repayment plan. This payment lasts for three to five years and involves monthly payments. Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases can help people catch up on payments like child support, or\u00a0it can help people <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/what-is-bankruptcy\/facing-foreclosure-how-bankruptcy-can-help.html\">avoid foreclosure on their home<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Chapter 11 bankruptcy is a form of bankruptcy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/business-bankruptcy\/chapter-11-bankruptcy.html\">primarily for businesses<\/a>. It allows them to reorganize and restructure their debts. This rehabilitation plan permits the company to continue operating during the process. In the meantime, negotiations happen with creditors to modify payment terms. This can potentially reduce obligations and enable the business to regain its financial footing.<\/p>\n<p>Bankruptcy cases almost exclusively fall under federal law, though states may pass laws governing issues that federal law doesn&#8217;t address. Special bankruptcy courts nationwide handle only debtor-creditor cases. Generally, any bankruptcy-related claim must be filed with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/what-is-bankruptcy\/united-states-bankruptcy-courts.html\">U.S. Bankruptcy Court<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Why File for Bankruptcy?<\/h2>\n<p>Bankruptcy law is a way for you to <a href=\"https:\/\/findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/what-is-bankruptcy\/benefits-of-bankruptcy.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">get help with debts<\/a>. People often file bankruptcy when they find themselves in a financial situation where their debts have become overwhelming and unmanageable. Bankruptcy provides a legal way to seek relief from these burdensome debts.<\/p>\n<p>These debts incurred from:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Credit card bills<\/li>\n<li>Medical expenses<\/li>\n<li>Job loss<\/li>\n<li>Other financial hardships<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It offers a fresh start to rebuild and regain control over your financial life.<\/p>\n<p>Bankruptcy can give you peace of mind by wiping out debts. However, it also affects your credit report and credit score. Some debts, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/debt-relief\/your-options-when-you-can-t-repay-student-loans.html\">like student loans<\/a>, may not be erased.<\/p>\n<h2>Steps of the Bankruptcy Process<\/h2>\n<p>Understanding the bankruptcy process is essential for anyone considering this path. The process starts with determining your eligibility for bankruptcy. You will have to decide which bankruptcy filing plan fits with your goals. A <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bankruptcy attorney<\/a> can help with this.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/what-is-bankruptcy\/what-happens-when-you-file-for-bankruptcy.html\">bankruptcy process<\/a> involves the following steps:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Credit Counseling<\/b>: Before you file, you typically must <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/what-is-bankruptcy\/bankruptcy-credit-counseling.html\">attend credit counseling<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><b>Filing Fee<\/b>:\u00a0You must pay a filing fee with the court.<\/li>\n<li><b>Legal Services<\/b>:\u00a0A bankruptcy attorney can guide you through the legal process.<\/li>\n<li><b>Meeting of Creditors<\/b>:\u00a0This is a meeting where creditors can ask you questions.<\/li>\n<li><b>Repayment Plan<\/b>:\u00a0In Chapter 13, you&#8217;ll make <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/chapter-13\/chapter-13-repayment-plan-and-confirmation-hearing.html\">monthly payments<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>At the end of the process, your debts will be discharged. In Chapter 7 bankruptcies, unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bills will be wiped out. In Chapter 13 bankruptcies, you&#8217;ll receive a discharge after completing your repayment plan. It&#8217;s important to monitor your credit report afterward. This is because bankruptcy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/after-bankruptcy\/how-soon-will-my-credit-score-improve-after-bankruptcy.html\">will impact your credit score<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Throughout this complex process, a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bankruptcy attorney<\/a> can provide valuable legal services.<\/p>\n<h2>Should I Hire a Bankruptcy Lawyer?<\/h2>\n<p>Depending on your situation, you may need a help from an attorney to file for bankruptcy. A consultation with a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bankruptcy attorney<\/a> helps you understand your financial situation and decide the best path for you. Many law offices offer free consultations.<\/p>\n<p>Although most lawyers are free to request permission to practice in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscourts.gov\/services-forms\/bankruptcy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. Bankruptcy Court<\/a>, effectively representing bankruptcy clients requires thorough knowledge of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Attorneys without the proper experience may not know all of the options available to a client facing bankruptcy. As a result, they may not be able to broker the most advantageous bankruptcy plans.<\/p>\n<p>Bankruptcy proceedings can have\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/what-is-bankruptcy\/benefits-of-bankruptcy.html\">long-term benefits<\/a>\u00a0and consequences for an individual&#8217;s financial and family situations. This is another reason why finding an experienced lawyer is essential. A lawyer who has helped many clients through bankruptcy can better prepare you. They can help protect your assets and minimize the negative effects.<\/p>\n<h2>How To Find a Bankruptcy Attorney<\/h2>\n<p>FindLaw&#8217;s directory of <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bankruptcy lawyers<\/a> can connect you with qualified legal professionals in your area. Enter your city or ZIP code to get started. Your search results will also show ratings and contact information. Then, reach out to learn your legal options and next steps. With the right legal advocate, bankruptcy can be a clearer path toward financial stability.<\/p>\n<h2>Bankruptcy Terms To Know<\/h2>\n<p>The following terms are often used when discussing bankruptcy.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Bankruptcy Petition<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-debt-and-bankruptcy\/bankruptcy-forms-and-contracts.html\">document filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court<\/a> that initiates a bankruptcy proceeding; usually contains the debtor&#8217;s assets, debts, and other liabilities<\/li>\n<li><strong>Chapter 7 (Individual Bankruptcy)<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 A petition filed under Ch. 7 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code for an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscourts.gov\/court-programs\/bankruptcy\/bankruptcy-basics\/chapter-7-bankruptcy-basics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">individual debtor<\/a> to liquidate his or her assets and settle or discharge debts<\/li>\n<li><strong>Chapter 11 (Business Reorganization)<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 A petition filed under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/business-bankruptcy\/chapter-11-bankruptcy.html\">Ch. 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code<\/a> for a business to reorganize its liabilities and assets, as well as settle or discharge its debts<\/li>\n<li><strong>Chapter 13 (Wage Earner&#8217;s Plan)<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 A petition filed under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/chapter-13.html\">Ch. 13 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code<\/a> where an insolvent debtor may ask the court to grant additional time for the debtor to pay off their debts, so long as the debtor is earning a steady income<\/li>\n<li><strong>Discharge\u00a0<\/strong>\u2014 To release a debtor from their liability to pay a debt<\/li>\n<li><strong>Insolvent\u00a0<\/strong>\u2014 Unable to pay one&#8217;s debts as they come due<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pro Se<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 Filing without legal help<\/li>\n<li><strong>Unsecured Debts<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 These are debts without collateral<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For more definitions, see FindLaw&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-debt-and-bankruptcy\/glossary-bankruptcy-terms.html\">Glossary of Bankruptcy Terms<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    An attorney can help protects exempt property during a bankruptcy\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Preparing the filings needed to discharge unsecured debts is easier and more effective with legal help<br>&nbsp;\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    A lawyer can help your business stay operational during a chapter 11 bankruptcy<br>&nbsp;\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n<div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n<p>Most legal situations can benefit from an attorney\u2019s guidance. A lawyer can offer tailored advice and help prevent common mistakes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum\" title=\"Search Top Lawyers Near You\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745902396\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1.png?_i=AA\"\n                alt=\"\"\n                loading=\"lazy\"\n            \/>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-content fl-flex fl-flex-wrap\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-text fl-mb25\">\n            <h4 class=\"fl-no-margin\">Enter your email address to subscribe<\/h4>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <form class=\"email-subscription-content-form\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"distributionList\" value=\"latl\" \/>\n            <label for=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" class=\"fl-text-sm-bold\">Email (Required)<\/label>\n            <div class=\"email-subscription-content-form-group\">\n                <input id=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" name=\"email\" autocomplete=\"email\"\/>\n                <button type=\"submit\" aria-label=\"Submit\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-success subscribe-success-message fl-text-sm-bold\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"status\">Thank you for subscribing!<\/p>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-error subscribe-error-message fl-text-sm-bold\" role=\"alert\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/p>\n\n            <div id=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha\" class=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha subscribe-recaptcha\"\n                data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAAABGBEkK9kEeKxO-\"><\/div>\n        <\/form>\n\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-footer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p><a href=\"https:\/\/newsletters.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n                        Search Top Lawyers Near You\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer.html\">\n                        Choosing the Right Lawyer\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer.html\">\n                        Do I Need a Lawyer?\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/attorney-fees-and-agreements.html\">\n                        Attorney Fees &#038; Fee Arrangements\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Search Top Lawyers Near You<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/legal-issues\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Full List of Legal Issues<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Declaring bankruptcy can help with debts, but often at a cost. FindLaw explains bankruptcy law and how an attorney can help you regain financial stability.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":357959,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2754],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-357973","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-hirealawyer"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/357973","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=357973"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/357973\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":391327,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/357973\/revisions\/391327"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/357959"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=357973"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=357973"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=357973"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=357973"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=357973"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}