You need to consider that Chapter 7 bankruptcy essentially gets rid of debts you owe.  In exchange, you usually have to forfeit ownership of such items like your home (with certain homestead exceptions) and of course your motor vehicle. The reason is while you no longer owe the underlying debt, you cannot maintain ownership of the security for that loan/debt. If you do not claim these individuals as dependants, the only thing to consider with your bankruptcy attorney or trustee is whether the expenses qualify for some sort of exemption or help as offsets to debts owed.