Chapter 7 is a “liquidation bankruptcy” or "straight bankruptcy".  This is the type of bankruptcy most people will file.  Generally all of your credit card debt and other unsecured debts (debts that you have not secured with something like a car, a motorcycle or your house) will be discharged in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.  Some debts like student loans and child support will not be discharged.  Certain non-exempt assets could be sold by the bankruptcy trustee to repay creditors.  For most clients, many if not all of their assets are exempt from the trustee’s reach and you will keep them.  I will personally review your situation prior to filing and advise you as to any non-exempt assets you may have, and the options you may have to retain those assets or their value.   A Chapter 7 case generally takes about 3-4 months to complete, from filing until the discharge is granted.  This is often the best option for consumers with large amounts of credit card debt, medical bills, or other forms of unsecured debt.  It can also help if you owe far more on vehicles, or even a home, than they are now worth.