Many people mistakenly assume that bankruptcy is financial suicide. However, the truth is that bankruptcy has helped millions of Americans start their path toward a debt-free life.

There are several chapters of bankruptcy, with Chapters 7 and 13 being the most common. The eligibility criteria and consequences of filing each chapter vary, and one factor that sets them apart is the possibility of liquidating assets.

What Will Happen to My Property if I File for Bankruptcy?

Divorce is one of the most stressful and mentally exhausting chapters in a person’s life. It comes with a long list of life-changing considerations, such as where each spouse will live, how to survive on a single income, and what the child custody arrangement will entail.

The legal side of divorce can be just as overwhelming as the personal challenges. This is especially true in contested divorces when couples cannot agree on asset division, child support, or other factors.

Fault vs. No-Fault Divorces

Every couple fantasizes about a perfect life after marriage; however, reports indicate that nearly 44 percent of married couples in the United States divorce. For this reason, engaged couples may consider signing a prenuptial agreement to protect their finances in the event of divorce.

Like many other matters in marital law, prenuptial agreements come with a long list of complex considerations. In some cases, a seemingly minor mistake may render the contract void.

Four Factors that May Render a Prenuptial Agreement Invalid

Each year, thousands of Americans file for bankruptcy as part of their efforts to gain financial control. The bankruptcy process can give debtors a fresh start while also teaching invaluable lessons related to financial management. In many cases, debtors must choose between filing for Chapter 13 and Chapter 7 bankruptcies. Therefore, understanding the breakdown of Chapter 13 bankruptcy can help you decide if it is a smart option for your particular case.

What You Need to Know about Chapter 13 Bankruptcy 

Chapter 13 offers debtors the opportunity to organize debt into a structured payment plan. According to Uscourts.gov, Chapter 13 applicants must meet certain criteria in order to be eligible.

Filing for bankruptcy—no matter which chapter you choose—can be a mentally exhausting process. For many Americans, though, bankruptcy offers an opportunity to regain financial independence and stop creditor actions.

In many cases, Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a smarter option than Chapter 7. For example, if you have fallen behind on business payments or your mortgage, Chapter 13 bankruptcy may allow you to maintain your property. Additionally, Chapter 13 bankruptcy may allow you to reinstate your original mortgage agreement if you can make the overdue payments within a specified period. In this way, Chapter 13 bankruptcy can put homeowners on the path to a debt-free life.

Generally speaking, people with valuable property that Illinois bankruptcy exemptions do not cover should consider filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. This chapter may also be ideal if your income is too high to be eligible for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.