CleanSlate Match
Bankruptcy and debt-relief guides
Short, plain-language guides can help you understand your options when debt feels heavy. These articles explain the basics honestly, without pressure or promises.
A plain-language comparison of the two main consumer bankruptcies, when each makes sense, and how a lawyer helps you decide.
Open → What Debt Bankruptcy Can and Can't EraseWhich debts bankruptcy wipes out, which ones survive (like most student loans and child support), and why it matters.
Open → Will I Lose My House or Car in Bankruptcy?How exemptions and the two chapters affect your home and car — and why many people keep both.
Open → The Automatic Stay: How Bankruptcy Stops CollectionsHow filing instantly pauses garnishment, foreclosure, lawsuits, and collection calls.
Open → Bankruptcy and Your Credit ScoreHow long bankruptcy stays on your report, what really happens to your score, and how people rebuild credit.
Open → The Bankruptcy Process, Step by StepFrom credit counseling to discharge — the real timeline of a consumer bankruptcy.
Open → Medical Debt and BankruptcyHow medical bills are treated in bankruptcy and why they're one of the most common reasons people file.
Open → Alternatives to BankruptcyAn honest look at debt settlement, consolidation, and credit counseling — and their real trade-offs.
Open → Do I Need a Bankruptcy Lawyer?What an attorney actually does, when filing on your own is risky, and how flat fees work.
Open → Rebuilding Credit After BankruptcyPractical, honest steps to rebuild your credit in the months and years after a discharge.
Open → What is chapter 7 bankruptcy?Plain-language answer to what is chapter 7 bankruptcy for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → What is chapter 13 bankruptcy?Plain-language answer to what is chapter 13 bankruptcy for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → How much does bankruptcy cost?Plain-language answer to how much does bankruptcy cost for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → Can i file bankruptcy without a lawyer?Plain-language answer to can i file bankruptcy without a lawyer for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → How long does bankruptcy take?Plain-language answer to how long does bankruptcy take for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → What is the automatic stay?Plain-language answer to what is the automatic stay for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → What is a bankruptcy discharge?Plain-language answer to what is a bankruptcy discharge for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → What is the means test?Plain-language answer to what is the means test for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → Does bankruptcy clear all debt?Plain-language answer to does bankruptcy clear all debt for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → Can bankruptcy stop foreclosure?Plain-language answer to can bankruptcy stop foreclosure for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → Can bankruptcy stop wage garnishment?Plain-language answer to can bankruptcy stop wage garnishment for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → Will bankruptcy ruin my credit?Plain-language answer to will bankruptcy ruin my credit for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → How long does bankruptcy stay on credit report?Plain-language answer to how long does bankruptcy stay on credit report for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → Can i keep my car in bankruptcy?Plain-language answer to can i keep my car in bankruptcy for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → Can i keep my house in bankruptcy?Plain-language answer to can i keep my house in bankruptcy for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → What are bankruptcy exemptions?Plain-language answer to what are bankruptcy exemptions for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → Does bankruptcy clear medical debt?Plain-language answer to does bankruptcy clear medical debt for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → Does bankruptcy clear credit card debt?Plain-language answer to does bankruptcy clear credit card debt for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → Does bankruptcy clear student loans?Plain-language answer to does bankruptcy clear student loans for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → Does bankruptcy clear tax debt?Plain-language answer to does bankruptcy clear tax debt for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → Does bankruptcy clear payday loans?Plain-language answer to does bankruptcy clear payday loans for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → What is credit counseling before bankruptcy?Plain-language answer to what is credit counseling before bankruptcy for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → What is the 341 meeting?Plain-language answer to what is the 341 meeting for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → What is a bankruptcy trustee?Plain-language answer to what is a bankruptcy trustee for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → How often can you file bankruptcy?Plain-language answer to how often can you file bankruptcy for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → What is a no asset case?Plain-language answer to what is a no asset case for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → What is a reaffirmation agreement?Plain-language answer to what is a reaffirmation agreement for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → Can creditors call after bankruptcy?Plain-language answer to can creditors call after bankruptcy for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → What happens to cosigners in bankruptcy?Plain-language answer to what happens to cosigners in bankruptcy for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → Can i file bankruptcy on just one debt?Plain-language answer to can i file bankruptcy on just one debt for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → Joint Vs Individual BankruptcyPlain-language answer to joint vs individual bankruptcy for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → Bankruptcy And Your Bank AccountPlain-language answer to bankruptcy and your bank account for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → Can i buy a house after bankruptcy?Plain-language answer to can i buy a house after bankruptcy for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → Can i get a credit card after bankruptcy?Plain-language answer to can i get a credit card after bankruptcy for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → What is the difference between secured and unsecured debt?Plain-language answer to what is the difference between secured and unsecured debt for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → What is a debt settlement?Plain-language answer to what is a debt settlement for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → Is debt consolidation better than bankruptcy?Plain-language answer to is debt consolidation better than bankruptcy for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → What is wage garnishment?Plain-language answer to what is wage garnishment for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → What is a bank levy?Plain-language answer to what is a bank levy for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → What is a lien?Plain-language answer to what is a lien for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → What happens if im sued for debt?Plain-language answer to what happens if im sued for debt for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → Can bankruptcy stop a lawsuit?Plain-language answer to can bankruptcy stop a lawsuit for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → What documents do i need to file bankruptcy?Plain-language answer to what documents do i need to file bankruptcy for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → How to prepare for bankruptcy?Plain-language answer to how to prepare for bankruptcy for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → What is bankruptcy fraud?Plain-language answer to what is bankruptcy fraud for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → Can i be fired for filing bankruptcy?Plain-language answer to can i be fired for filing bankruptcy for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → Does my spouse have to file too?Plain-language answer to does my spouse have to file too for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → What is chapter 11?Plain-language answer to what is chapter 11 for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → What is a debt relief scam?Plain-language answer to what is a debt relief scam for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open → Bankruptcy When Youre New To The UsPlain-language answer to bankruptcy when youre new to the us for people facing debt, plus a free way to find a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Open →What these guides are for
If you are dealing with credit-card debt, medical bills, a lawsuit, wage garnishment, or mortgage trouble, it is normal to feel scared and overwhelmed. Our guides are written to help you slow down, understand common bankruptcy terms, and prepare better questions for a lawyer.
CleanSlate Match is a free matching service, not a law firm and not a lawyer. We do not file bankruptcy, give legal advice, or create an attorney-client relationship. Everything here is general educational information only.
Bankruptcy rules, exemptions, filing procedures, and the means test can vary by state and judicial district, and they can change over time. A licensed bankruptcy attorney in your area can tell you how the law applies to your situation.
Topics you can read about
Some people are trying to understand the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Others want to know whether bankruptcy can stop a garnishment, pause a foreclosure, or help them keep a home or car. We cover those questions in short, plain words.
A few helpful places to start:
- Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13
- Will I lose my house?
These guides are meant to inform, not to tell you what to do. If you are seriously considering filing, it is wise to speak with a licensed bankruptcy attorney and confirm that attorney's bar license in your state.
What bankruptcy may do — and what it may not do
For many people, bankruptcy can provide real breathing room. When a bankruptcy case is filed, the automatic stay usually pauses most collection efforts right away, including many garnishments, foreclosure actions, collection calls, and lawsuits. In some cases, people are able to keep their home, car, or other property through exemptions or, in Chapter 13, through a repayment plan.
But bankruptcy does not erase every debt in every case. Some debts usually survive, including most student loans, recent income taxes, child support, alimony, most court fines, and debts tied to fraud. Results depend on the facts of the case, the chapter filed, and local rules.
That is why honest information matters. No guide should promise that bankruptcy will erase all debt or guarantee a specific outcome.
A simple note about cost
People often worry that talking to a bankruptcy attorney will be out of reach. In many consumer cases, attorneys charge a flat fee rather than billing by the hour, plus the court filing fee and a small required credit-counseling fee.
As a general educational range only, Chapter 7 attorney flat fees are often around $1,000 to $2,500, and Chapter 13 attorney flat fees are often around $3,000 to $6,000 or more, depending on the district, the complexity of the case, and whether there are disputes or urgent issues. Court filing fees are separate and can change, but are often a few hundred dollars. These are not quotes, not offers, and not guarantees.
The real cost depends on where you live, which chapter fits, how complex your finances are, and whether there are issues involving property, business activity, prior filings, or contested debts. A local licensed bankruptcy attorney can explain the likely cost in your area.
How CleanSlate Match works
If you want help finding a local lawyer, get matched for free. We help connect people across the United States, including many new immigrants and non-native English speakers, with a licensed bankruptcy attorney near them.
We only ask for contact information and general intent, such as your name, phone number, optional email, state, preferred language, and a general sense of what is going on. We do not ask for a Social Security number, bank-account numbers, credit-card numbers, or other financial-account details.
The service is always free for the person looking for help. Participating attorneys pay a flat fee to take part. Once you speak with an attorney, you can ask about experience, fees, language support, and next steps before deciding whether to hire anyone.
These guides can help you understand bankruptcy in simple words, and if you want, we can match you free with a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
Feeling buried in debt?
Get matched, free, with a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you. You compare attorneys and choose who to hire — and you confirm the flat fee before any work starts.