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Date: 09/06/2025

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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 foreclosure or reverse a wage garnishment. 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 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 [no-lexicon]lawyer[/no-lexicon].
Last full review by a subject matter expert
February 05, 2024
Last revised by staff
July 02, 2025

About our legal information

Take action

Responding to a lawsuit a creditor filed against you
Starting a Chapter 7 bankruptcy
Starting a chapter 13 bankruptcy
Filing an emergency bankruptcy

Forms

Bankruptcy forms Blank form
Use these forms to file for bankruptcy, including Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Learn more

Is bankruptcy right for me?
Qualifying for bankruptcy
Can a debt collector sue you?
Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection
Chapter 13 versus Chapter 7 bankruptcy
How property is given away in bankruptcy
Bankruptcy timeline
How a debt judgment can be collected basics
I didn't make payments under a Chapter 13 repayment plan
Emergency filing for bankruptcy
Bankruptcy waiting periods
How filing for bankruptcy impacts your job
I want a PACER account for my bankruptcy case

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 you
Starting a Chapter 7 bankruptcy
Starting a chapter 13 bankruptcy
Filing an emergency bankruptcy

Forms

Bankruptcy forms Blank form
Use these forms to file for bankruptcy, including Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Learn more

Is bankruptcy right for me?
Qualifying for bankruptcy
Can a debt collector sue you?
Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection
Chapter 13 versus Chapter 7 bankruptcy
How property is given away in bankruptcy
Bankruptcy timeline
How a debt judgment can be collected basics
I didn't make payments under a Chapter 13 repayment plan
Emergency filing for bankruptcy
Bankruptcy waiting periods
How filing for bankruptcy impacts your job
I want a PACER account for my bankruptcy case
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© 2025 Illinois Legal Aid Online. 
All rights reserved.
 
ILAO is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. ILAO's tax identification number is 20-2917133.