If you're unsure which bankruptcy chapter is right for you, The New Bankruptcy can help. This guide explores all debt relief options, including determining whether you can resolve financial problems without bankruptcy and the pros and cons of Chapters 7 and 13 when a bankruptcy filing makes sense.

For instance, you'll learn that Chapter 7 will do the following:

• eliminate credit card balances, utility bills, and more
  
• protect property needed to work and live, and
  
• provide debt relief without requiring you to repay creditors.
  

Chapter 13 bankruptcy involves a three- or five-year payment plan that will allow you to:

• catch up on a house or car payment
  
• pay off an overdue tax or support balance, and
  
• pay an amount you can afford on other debts, such as credit cards and student loans.
  

Also, this guide includes an online companion page with downloadable worksheets and easy-to-use charts, as well as a sample bankruptcy filing on the latest official legal forms.