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NavigateMyDebt.com
This tool brings clarity to a complicated situation — so you understand what you're working with before deciding what comes next. It does not provide legal advice, determine eligibility or outcomes, or recommend any course of action.
From overwhelmed to organized.
A private space to understand your debt situation — on your terms.
Start here
Start with Level 1. In about 10–15 minutes, you’ll organize your basic debt picture and receive a downloadable Debt Snapshot Report. You can stop there, or continue to the next level when you’re ready. There’s no pressure to do everything at once.
Bankruptcy chapters — factual overview
Each chapter works differently. Knowing what they mean puts you in a stronger position — whatever path you choose. Some people work through the process with an attorney. Others represent themselves, which is called filing "pro se." Both are valid options, and being informed makes either one more manageable.
Ch. 7
Liquidation
Most common. Non-exempt assets may be liquidated. Case typically 4–6 months.
Ch. 13
Wage earner's plan
3–5 year repayment plan. Allows retention of more assets. Requires steady income.
Ch. 11
Reorganization
Primarily businesses. Continued operation under a court-supervised reorganization plan.
Chapter 7 — key facts
  • Means test required — income must be at or below state median (or pass expense analysis)
  • A trustee reviews all assets; non-exempt property may be sold to pay creditors
  • Exemptions vary by state; some states allow the federal exemption schedule
  • Most unsecured debt discharged: credit cards, medical bills, personal loans
  • Non-dischargeable: student loans (generally), child support, alimony, recent taxes, criminal fines
  • Does not resolve mortgage arrears — automatic stay is temporary only
  • Credit report impact: up to 10 years
  • Corporations and LLCs may file but receive no discharge — case ends in dissolution
Chapter 13 — key facts
  • Requires regular income sufficient to fund a 3–5 year plan
  • Statutory debt limits apply (adjusted periodically — verify current limits)
  • Allows cure of mortgage arrears and retention of home
  • Lien stripping possible for wholly unsecured junior mortgages in some circumstances
  • Only individuals (including sole proprietors) may file — not entities
  • Discharge issued after successful plan completion
  • Credit report impact: up to 7 years
  • Broader discharge than Ch. 7 in some cases (e.g., certain marital property debts)
Chapter 11 — key facts
  • Available to businesses and individuals with debt exceeding Ch. 13 limits
  • Debtor typically remains in control as "debtor-in-possession"
  • Requires disclosure statement and reorganization plan; creditors vote on plan
  • Subchapter V (small business) offers streamlined process for qualifying debtors
  • Most complex and expensive chapter — attorney fees typically substantial
  • Business may continue operating during the case
  • Can assume or reject executory contracts (leases, vendor agreements)
Automatic stay (11 U.S.C. § 362)
Takes effect immediately upon filing any chapter.
Filing triggers an immediate federal injunction halting most collection activity: collection calls and letters, lawsuits, wage garnishments, foreclosure sales (temporarily), repossessions, and utility shutoffs (20-day relief). Exceptions include criminal proceedings, certain domestic support actions, and some governmental actions. The stay may be lifted by court order.
Credit counseling requirement
Credit counseling must be completed through a U.S. Trustee-approved agency before filing. A second debtor education course is also required before discharge. Current approved agency lists are available at justice.gov/ust — verify requirements with your attorney or through court self-help resources.
Means test — income calculator
What is the means test?
The means test is a federal calculation used to determine whether someone qualifies to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy. It compares your average monthly income over the past 6 months against the published median income for your state and household size.

Why is it here?
This calculator helps you organize your income information and see where you stand relative to your state median — one of the key factors an attorney or the court will examine. It does not determine your eligibility or predict any outcome. That determination requires a complete legal analysis of your specific situation.

What it is not: This is not a legal assessment, a filing recommendation, or a substitute for professional consultation. Whether you work with an attorney or research your options on your own, this information helps you arrive at that conversation better prepared.
The Ch. 7 means test compares your average monthly income over the past 6 months to your state's median. Enter gross monthly amounts from all sources. This calculator is informational only — the official form is Official Bankruptcy Form 122A-1.
State median income figures are updated periodically by the U.S. Trustee Program. Verify current figures at justice.gov/ust before relying on any comparison.
Monthly gross income — all sources
Wages, salary, tips, commissions
Net monthly business income (if self-employed)
Rental income
Pension / retirement distributions
Social Security (excluded from means test by statute)
Alimony / spousal support received
Other regular income
Total monthly income (excl. Social Security)
$0
Annualized (x 12)
$0
Select your state and household size on the Profile tab to see your personalized median income comparison here.
How to use this figure
This comparison shows where your income stands relative to your state median — one of the factors examined in income-based calculations. If your income is above the median, additional expense analysis may also be relevant. An attorney can walk through what these figures mean for your specific situation using the official forms.

Figures are sourced from the U.S. Trustee Program and may change based on filing date. Verify the applicable data period at justice.gov/ust/means-testing before relying on any comparison.
Monthly expense summary
Record your actual monthly expenses. These are used in Form 122A-2 and in Schedule J.
Housing (rent or mortgage)
Utilities
Food and household supplies
Transportation
Health insurance premiums
Out-of-pocket medical and dental
Childcare / dependent care
Life / disability insurance
Other regular expenses
Total monthly expenses
$0
Monthly net (income - expenses)
$0
Creditor list
A complete creditor list is an important part of your preparation. Use credit reports from annualcreditreport.com to help make sure nothing is overlooked.
Total listed debt: $0
Document checklist
Check items off as you gather them. Progress saves automatically in this browser.
0 of 0 items
Readiness summary
A compiled overview of your profile, financial data, and document status. Print or save to share with an attorney.
Next steps checklist
Complete credit counseling (if not yet done)
From a U.S. Trustee-approved agency — justice.gov/ust
Pull credit reports from all three bureaus
Free at annualcreditreport.com — reconcile with your creditor list
Identify next steps — attorney consultation or self-filing research
Many attorneys offer free initial consultations. Courts also provide self-help resources for those who choose to file pro se — search your state's bankruptcy court website for self-help options
Confirm creditor mailing addresses
All creditors must receive formal notice
Research filing fees and court district
Ch.7: $338 / Ch.13: $313 / Ch.11: $1,738 — verify at uscourts.gov
Review recent transactions — with an attorney or through court self-help resources
Certain past payments, transfers, and purchases may need to be disclosed — an attorney can clarify what applies to your circumstances
This summary is an informational tracker only. It does not constitute legal advice, predict outcomes, or recommend a course of action. It is equally useful for attorney consultation and pro se self-filing preparation. Whether you work with an attorney or proceed on your own, being organized and informed is the foundation of any successful next step.