Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is a legal status of a person or entity that cannot repay the debts it owes to creditors. It is a formal proceeding in which an individual or business seeks relief from some or all of their debts under the bankruptcy laws of their jurisdiction. Bankruptcy allows the debtor to eliminate or repay debts under the protection and guidance of a court. There are various types of bankruptcy, primarily in the United States, characterized by chapters in the bankruptcy code, such as Chapter 7 (liquidation), Chapter 11 (reorganization for businesses), and Chapter 13 (reorganization for individuals with a regular income). The process typically involves the filing of a petition, disclosure of assets and liabilities, and distribution of available assets to creditors. Bankruptcy can provide a fresh start for the debtor, but it also significantly impacts credit ratings and can have long-term financial consequences.