Start Here:

👉 Do you have regular income?

• NO →
  ➤ You likely qualify for Chapter 7
  ➤ No payment plan, faster relief
• YES →
  ➤ Go to next question

👉 Is your income below your state’s median?

• YES →
  ➤ You likely qualify for Chapter 7
  ➤ Go to next question to confirm
• NO →
  ➤ You may need to file Chapter 13
  ➤ Go to next question

👉 Are you behind on your mortgage or car payments?

• YES →
  ➤ Chapter 13 is likely better
  ✔ Stops foreclosure
  ✔ Lets you catch up over time
• NO →
  ➤ Go to next question

👉 Do you have significant assets (equity, savings, etc.)?

• YES →
  ➤ Chapter 13 may protect them
  ✔ Keep assets
  ✔ Pay over time
• NO →
  ➤ Go to next question

👉 Do you want to eliminate debt quickly with no payment plan?

• YES →
  ➤ Chapter 7 is likely best
  ✔ Fast (3–4 months)
  ✔ No monthly plan
• NO / NEED STRUCTURE →
  ➤ Chapter 13 may be better
  ✔ Structured repayment
  ✔ One manageable payment

🧠 Final Decision Snapshot

Choose Chapter 7 if:

• Lower income
• Minimal assets
• Mostly credit card/medical debt
• Want fast relief

Choose Chapter 13 if:

• Behind on house or car
• Higher income
• Need to protect assets
• Want structured payments

💡 Bottom line:
Chapter 7 = fast reset
Chapter 13 = structured recovery