A chapter 13 bankruptcy requires commitment from the debtor, and is designed to get the debtor back on firm financial footing. There is no limitation on the filing of chapter 13 bankruptcies. Most credit cards are dischargeable, providing they have not been used within 90 days of the petition in bankruptcy. The most common exception to that rule occurs where the credit card has been used to purchase an item of value, for example, a diamond ring, a computer or a washing machine. Even where this is the case, the creditor is secured only as to the present value of the item purchased.
Most medical bills are dischargeable, as are bills for service providers.
Utilities are dischargeable, but where they are discharged, the utility provider will usually require a security deposit for continuing service. The security deposit will usually be based on twice the monthly bill. Even secured debts are dischargeable if the debtor does not wish to retain the items securing the debt. However, if the debtor wishes to retain the vehicle in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, he must reaffirm the entire amount of the debt. Most taxes are not dischargeable, but a person filing bankruptcy should check with his or her attorney, because in some circumstances taxes may be dischargeable.