Public Guide
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13: General Comparison
A neutral comparison of Chapter 7 liquidation and Chapter 13 repayment-plan cases, including eligibility, property, debt, timing, and discharge.
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are different federal bankruptcy processes. Neither chapter can be selected reliably from income or debt totals alone.
| Topic | Chapter 7 | Chapter 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Trustee administers nonexempt estate property | Individual proposes a court-supervised repayment plan |
| Typical duration | Often measured in months | Generally three to five years |
| Income framework | Means-test and abuse rules may apply | Regular-income, feasibility, and plan-payment rules apply |
| Property | Exemptions and trustee administration are central | Plan treatment can permit retention subject to statutory requirements |
| Debt limits | No general Chapter 7 debt ceiling | Current statutory debt limits apply |
| Discharge | Available for qualifying debts after statutory steps | Available after qualifying plan completion, with different scope |
Secured debt, arrears, priority claims, recent transfers, prior discharges, business activity, tax debt, domestic support, codebtors, and local practice can materially change the comparison.
The official schedules, means-test forms, and plan forms apply detailed definitions. A public calculator or comparison does not determine chapter eligibility or recommend a filing.
Official Sources
This page provides general process information and does not recommend a chapter or determine eligibility, plan terms, property treatment, or discharge.