Chapter 7 bankruptcy is commonly used when there is little property except for necessities, or you have no money left after paying basic expenses each month. The advantages of Chapter 7 include discharging most unsecured debts, discharge within a few months, and no contact from creditors. Anybody who qualifies under the "means test" can file for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy is commonly used when there is significant equity in a home and you can meet living expenses but can't keep up with debts. Advantages of Chapter 13 include keeping most of your property, spreading out payments so you can catch up on debts and make one monthly payment to a bankruptcy trustee. Any individual debtor whose unsecured debts are below a certain amount as set forth in 11 U.S.C 109(e) is eligible.
Online Bankruptcy Resources
U.S. Code Title 11
Minnesota Local Rules
U.S Bankruptcy Court Forms
LawHelp.org Bankruptcy Information
U.S. Courts Bankruptcy Basics Videos (9 part series)
NCLC Common Bankruptcy Questions
Nolo's Bankruptcy in Minnesota
Bankruptcy Overview (U.S Courts Site):
Chapter 7: Background, Alternatives, Eligibility, How it Works, Discharge
Chapter 13: Background, Advantages, Eligibility, How it Works, Plan, Discharge
Debtor Help:
VLN Bankruptcy Advice Clinic Calendar
Ramsey County Law Library Resources:
Bankruptcy books and treatises including Collier on Bankruptcy and Norton Bankruptcy Law and Practice.
Minnesota CLEs including the Bankruptcy Institute series.
Bankruptcy cases via Westlaw
