Ultimate Guide to Chapter 7 and 13 Bankruptcy

By Alexander Hernandez, J.D., Professor, and Author of Consumer Bankruptcy Law (Routledge).

Updated Regularly. The last page update took place on December 27, 2025.

Here you will find the archives of insightful posts focusing on Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Whether you’re considering filing for bankruptcy, navigating the process, or seeking expert advice, my archive serves as your go-to resource.

Here, you’ll find detailed explanations, tips, personal stories, and expert analysis to guide you through every step of your bankruptcy journey. Empower yourself with the knowledge you need to make informed financial decisions for your debt-free journey.

• What is the Liquidation Test? You Better Know It if You Are Filing for Bankruptcy.
• A Guide to California Bankruptcy Exemptions
• Short on Time to File for Bankruptcy? Consider a Bare-Bones Petition
• Why Consider Voluntary Dismissal in Bankruptcy?
• Understanding Colorado Bankruptcy Exemptions
• Why Would You Want to Dismiss Your Bankruptcy Petition Voluntarily?
• What Does it Cost to File for Bankruptcy?
• Dismissed with Prejudice and the Prejudice Period
• 11 U.S.C. §507 Priority Claims: The Professor’s Guide to Current Caps & Order
• Wages Garnished After Filing Bankruptcy? It’s an Illegal Automatic Stay Violation. Here’s Your 3-Step Legal Fix.
• The Two-Home Trap: Why Chapter 7 Isn’t an Option When You Want to Keep Both Houses
• Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: When to Surrender Your Car
• The 2% Gamble: Why Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is Not a DIY Project
• Car Accident Debt and Your Driver’s License: Can Bankruptcy Get You Back on the Road?
• Chapter 13 Bankruptcy and Driver’s License Reinstatement
• Government Shutdown & Your Bankruptcy Case: What You Need to Know Now
• Does the Government Shutdown Stop Your Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
• How a Government Shutdown Can Help You Pass the Chapter 7 Means Test
• Bankruptcy Fraud: What Dr. Phil’s Chapter 7 Case Teaches Every Consumer
• Chapter 13 Bankruptcy & the Federal Government Shutdown
• Bankruptcy Alert: New Chapter 7 Means Test Income Limits Now in Effect (November 1, 2025 Update) B
• ankruptcy Conversions: Switching Chapters (7 to 13 and 13 to 7) Explained
• The Surprise Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Debtors Rarely See Coming: The Plan Payment is Not Permanent
• Buying a Car While in Chapter 13: The Critical Steps Every Debtor Must Know
• Black Friday & Bankruptcy: The Dangers of Using Credit Cards Before Filing
• How to File a Proof of Claim in Any Consumer Bankruptcy Case
• Stop Creditor Action: The Critical Step After Filing Bankruptcy with the Automatic Stay
• Advanced Bankruptcy Strategy: Using Chapter 13 to Save Your Home, Then Converting to Chapter 7
• Navigating a Creditor Lawsuit: The Strategic Use of Filing an Answer Before Bankruptcy
• The Rule 2004 Examination: The Broadest Discovery Tool in Bankruptcy
• The Rule 2004 Examination: Discovery and Investigation of Financial Documents in Federal Bankruptcy Court
• The Post-Bankruptcy Credit Surge: Rebuild Your Credit
• The Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Hardship Discharge
• The Hidden Risks of Bankruptcy Petition Preparers: Why “Cheap” Can Be Costly Bankruptcy Petition Preparers: A Compliance Checklist Under 11 U.S.C. §110
• The Motion for Relief from Stay Versus The Automatic Stay
• The Motion for Relief from Stay: Check Your Local Bankruptcy Forms First
• Suing the Government is Your Best Move Against Student Loan Garnishments

Additional bankruptcy articles can be found via this link.

Educational Resources

• For Institutions: Colleges and universities can purchase or request examination copies of my textbook directly from Routledge Publishing.
• For Students & Practitioners: Single print and digital copies are available via Amazon Books.
• Video Lectures: Stream comprehensive legal breakdowns and video explanations on the Prof. Hernandez YouTube Channel.

Bankruptcy Court & Consumer Resources

Explore a deep dive for consumer guides and court directories to navigate your legal options:

• A step-by-step master guide on Filing for Bankruptcy and Navigating the Petition.
• Access full directories for the Federal Bankruptcy Court System and Trustee Contact Information.
• Protect your assets by reviewing your specific State Bankruptcy Exemptions or compare them against the Federal Bankruptcy Exemptions.
• Prepare for your court date with the updated brief on the 341 Meeting of Creditors Rules and Procedures.

Please note that the information on this site does not constitute legal advice and should be considered for informational purposes only.