Chapter 7 bankruptcy involves liquidating a debtor's non-essential assets to repay creditors. Chapters 11 and 13 are more expensive and longer than Chapter 7, but you can keep your assets. Chapter 7 bankruptcy will significantly lower your credit score and stay on your credit report for 10 years.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy allows liquidation of assets to pay creditors. Unsecured priority debt is paid first in a Chapter 7, after which comes secured debt and then nonpriority unsecured debt. Filing Chapter 7 typically involves completing forms and a review of assets by the trustee.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy focuses on liquidating your nonexempt assets, if you have any, to repay creditors before your remaining debt is discharged. The process can get rid of many types of unsecured debt such as credit card debt, medical bills, and utility bills. Chapter 7 is the most common of the bankruptcy options available to individuals.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy eliminates most debt through the liquidation of assets. The court appoints a trustee to oversee the case. Part of the trustee's job is to take ownership of the debtor's assets, sell them, and distribute the proceeds to their creditors.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a “second chance” to regain control of your finances by having most of your unsecured debt, including credit card debt, medical bills, and personal loans legally discharged by a bankruptcy court. In virtually all cases, however, it does not discharge student loans, tax debt, alimony, or child support.