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Date: 05/21/2026

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Is bankruptcy right for me? Link
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ILAO has an easy-to-use program to help you decide if bankruptcy is right for you.

Bankruptcy is a useful tool. It can wipe out some debts and help you repay others. Bankruptcy can help restore utility service or reinstate a drivers' license. It can stop a mortgage A loan given by a bank that is used to help someone buy a home foreclosure A forced sale of property when a person doesn't make payments on a loan or reverse a wage garnishment. A legal procedure that requires the employer of a judgment debtor to withhold a portion of their wages to satisfy a judgment But bankruptcy cannot fix everything.

Are you dealing with any of these problems?

  • You are in danger of losing your home through foreclosure or a property tax sale.
  • You want to reduce your wage garnishment.
  • You received a shutoff notice for utility services, such as gas, electric, or water.
  • Your driver's license is suspended and you need it reinstated.
  • You need debt collectors to stop calling or coming to your house.
  • You live in subsidized housing and received a termination When something ends notice.
  • You cannot afford to pay your credit cards or other bills.

Have you wondered if you should file bankruptcy?

This program can help you find out if bankruptcy is right for you. It asks you why you are thinking of filing bankruptcy, and questions about your income, debts, and the value of your property. Once completed, you can see whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy fits your situation. Afterward, you can download a summary of the information with links to related articles and referrals to lawyers as well as the answers to your questions for future reference.

Find out if bankruptcy can help you

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This program does not give legal advice. It does not take the place of advice from a lawyer.
Last full review by a subject matter expert
February 05, 2024
Last revised by staff
January 01, 2026

About our legal information

Take action

Responding to a lawsuit a creditor filed against youHow-To
Steps on how to respond if you received a complaint and summons from someone you owe money to.
Starting a Chapter 7 bankruptcyHow-To
Steps to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy from taking a credit counseling course to filling out the forms you need.
Filing an emergency bankruptcyHow-To
Steps to file for emergency bankruptcy from the forms you need to how much the process costs.
Starting a chapter 13 bankruptcyHow-To
Steps to file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy from taking a credit counseling course to filling out Form 113 and other forms you need.

Learn more

Is bankruptcy right for me? Link
This program can help you find out if bankruptcy can help with specific problems. Bankruptcy might be able to stop or slow down an eviction, a mortgage foreclosure, or a utility shut-off. Sometimes, it can be used to restore a suspended drivers license or help if you can't afford to pay your bills.
Qualifying for bankruptcy Text article
Understand if you qualify for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection Text article
Explains automatic stay, utility service and eviction under Chapter 13
How property is given away in bankruptcy Text article
Explains the different types of creditors in a bankruptcy and how property is given to creditors in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Chapter 13 versus Chapter 7 bankruptcy Text article
Explains the difference between Chapter 13 and Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Bankruptcy timeline Text article
A breakdown of each step of the bankruptcy process, with an explanation of what happens along the way.
I didn't make payments under a Chapter 13 repayment plan Text article
In order for Chapter 13 to be a success, you must have more income than when you fell into debt.
Emergency filing for bankruptcy Text article
Explains why you might want to file for an emergency bankruptcy.
Bankruptcy waiting periods Text article
Explains the waiting period between filing for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
How filing for bankruptcy impacts your job Text article
Describes how bankruptcy can and cannot affect your job.
I want a PACER account for my bankruptcy case Text article
Explains how to make a PACER account online and a list of information you can access from it.

Worried about doing this on your own?  You may be able to get free legal help.

Apply Online

Take action

Responding to a lawsuit a creditor filed against youHow-To
Steps on how to respond if you received a complaint and summons from someone you owe money to.
Starting a Chapter 7 bankruptcyHow-To
Steps to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy from taking a credit counseling course to filling out the forms you need.
Filing an emergency bankruptcyHow-To
Steps to file for emergency bankruptcy from the forms you need to how much the process costs.
Starting a chapter 13 bankruptcyHow-To
Steps to file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy from taking a credit counseling course to filling out Form 113 and other forms you need.

Learn more

Is bankruptcy right for me? Link
This program can help you find out if bankruptcy can help with specific problems. Bankruptcy might be able to stop or slow down an eviction, a mortgage foreclosure, or a utility shut-off. Sometimes, it can be used to restore a suspended drivers license or help if you can't afford to pay your bills.
Qualifying for bankruptcy Text article
Understand if you qualify for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection Text article
Explains automatic stay, utility service and eviction under Chapter 13
How property is given away in bankruptcy Text article
Explains the different types of creditors in a bankruptcy and how property is given to creditors in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Chapter 13 versus Chapter 7 bankruptcy Text article
Explains the difference between Chapter 13 and Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Bankruptcy timeline Text article
A breakdown of each step of the bankruptcy process, with an explanation of what happens along the way.
I didn't make payments under a Chapter 13 repayment plan Text article
In order for Chapter 13 to be a success, you must have more income than when you fell into debt.
Emergency filing for bankruptcy Text article
Explains why you might want to file for an emergency bankruptcy.
Bankruptcy waiting periods Text article
Explains the waiting period between filing for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
How filing for bankruptcy impacts your job Text article
Describes how bankruptcy can and cannot affect your job.
I want a PACER account for my bankruptcy case Text article
Explains how to make a PACER account online and a list of information you can access from it.
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© 2026 Illinois Legal Aid Online. 
All rights reserved.

ILAO is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. ILAO's tax identification number is 20-2917133.