Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13 Decision Tool

This tool applies a simple decision tree based on the U.S. Courts' Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy basics. Chapter 13 generally fits filers who want to keep a home with mortgage arrears, who are above their state's median income under the means test, who hold non-exempt assets they want to protect, or who must catch up priority debts such as taxes or domestic support; Chapter 7 generally fits below-median filers who do not need to cure arrears or protect non-exempt property. Rules are evaluated in order and the first match decides the suggested chapter. This is educational information, not legal advice. People's Justice is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice; we connect you with licensed attorneys, and we are not a government agency. An attorney can confirm which chapter is right for you.