The most common is Chapter 7. The debtor is allowed to exempt certain property from liquidation by the trustee.
Exemptions can thus vary widely from state to state.
This stay prohibits any act to collect money or take property from the debtor. It stops wage garnishments, foreclosures, repossessions, and the like. The stay usually remains in effect throughout the case. Bankruptcy is often a very effective tool for obtaining relief from oppressive debt. Special attention should be given to whether the debtor will receive a discharge, and the effects of the discharge.