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Filing for Bankruptcy

1 minute read Upsolve is a nonprofit tool that helps you file bankruptcy for free. Think TurboTax for bankruptcy. Get free education, customer support, and community. Featured in Forbes 4x and funded by institutions like Harvard University so we'll never ask you for a credit card. Explore our free tool


In a Nutshell

Although filing for bankruptcy can be a difficult decision to make, it is also a solution that will release you from crippling debt. Learn everything you need to know here before you get started.

Written by Rohan Pavuluri
Updated August 8, 2023


If you’ve been drowning in debt, filing for bankruptcy can be a real legal lifeline. And, the reality is, many Americans are desperately in need of a helping hand when it comes to their finances. When you file for bankruptcy, it is a major step in the right direction toward financial freedom. It not only releases you from the liability of debt, but it also allows you to regain control of your life.

What is Bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy is a solution for those suffering from the burden of debt that cannot be paid in the foreseeable future. It is a court proceeding that can release you from unpaid bills and allow you to have a fresh start. There are three types of bankruptcy.

  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: If you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you can be discharged from a variety of debts and/or debts will be revolved by liquidating assets. However, filing for bankruptcy excludes obligations like child support or tax debt.

  • Chapter 11 Bankruptcy: Chapter 11 Bankruptcy involves restructuring the debt. A repayment plan will be created to pay for all loans or other debt that has occurred.

  • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is different than Chapter 7 Bankruptcy because it does not completely forgive your debt. It is built for individuals with a steady income. A plan will be developed to pay all or part of the debt. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy can prevent foreclosure or car repossession.

Upsolve User Experiences

2,071+ Members Online
Lee Powers
Lee Powers
★★★★★ 7 hours ago
The last thing that you want to do, when you can’t pay those ridiculous credit cards, is to pay an attorney$$$$ to help to not pay those cards. This is where this organization comes in. If you look up all the paperwork that goes into filing a Bankruptcy Case it will blow your mind! Questions quickly come up like …What do I need / What don’t I need. So because my Brother had just filed $2000 with an attorney. He discovered after about this Upsolve organization, and let me say… it is a very good thing. You answer a bunch of questions it takes a while and then after they have there team Kind LAWYERS look at it couple weeks, you print out and sign and file it, I mailed it into the Court. It is important to follow their checklist, which includes the credit counseling, that all Courts Require. Thank you 🙏 Upsolve Team
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Connor Norris
Connor Norris
★★★★★ 1 day ago
thanks guys. what an amazing service. its inspiring in that its free and ultimately for the benefit of all.
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Erin Brianne
Erin Brianne
★★★★★ 1 day ago
very helpful. i couldn't have filled all that paperwork out on my own
Read more Google reviews ⇾

Who Files for Bankruptcy?

Many people have reasons for declaring bankruptcy from illness to divorce to a job loss, and much more. However, typically an individual or business who has far more debts than money to cover the debt are the ones who file for bankruptcy. If you are someone who is looking for financial freedom, know that you are not alone. Most Americans are suffering from debt and are looking for a way out. And, just like for many individuals, bankruptcy may be the right solution for you.

Should I Declare Bankruptcy?

Deciding if you should file for bankruptcy isn’t an easy yes or no answer. Because it is a big decision to make, it is important to first weigh all of your options. However, a good rule of thumb is if you can’t repay your debt in 5 years, then filing for bankruptcy may be the right option for you. If you are considering declaring bankruptcy, our team at Upsolve can help. We offer a completely free bankruptcy filing tool and access to expert attorneys to low income individuals. And, if you don’t quality for our free services, we can set you up with a paid attorney that will conduct a free consultation to see if filing for bankruptcy is the right option for you. Complete our quick and easy evaluation form to see which of our services you qualify for.



Written By:

Rohan Pavuluri

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Rohan Pavuluri is the volunteer Board Chair of Upsolve, one of America's leading resources helping low-income and working-class families overcome financial distress. Pavuluri served as CEO of Upsolve until May 2022. He graduated from Harvard College in 2018 and was named to the T... read more about Rohan Pavuluri

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Upsolve is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that started in 2016. Our mission is to help low-income families who cannot afford lawyers file bankruptcy for free, using an online web app. Our team includes lawyers, engineers, and judges. We have world-class funders that include the U.S. government, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, and leading foundations. It's one of the greatest civil rights injustices of our time that low-income families can't access their basic rights when they can't afford to pay for help. Combining direct services and advocacy, we're fighting this injustice.

To learn more, read why we started Upsolve in 2016, our reviews from past users, and our press coverage from places like the New York Times and Wall Street Journal.