The two consumer chapters
Wipes most unsecured debt (cards, medical, personal loans) in months. Income-tested via the means test; certain property is protected by exemptions that vary by state.
A 3-5 year court-supervised repayment plan sized to your income — used to save homes from foreclosure and to manage non-dischargeable debts on a schedule.
Generally: most student loans (hard, not impossible), recent taxes, child support, alimony. Which is why the debt MIX decides whether filing helps.
Honest costs and honest relief
A Chapter 7 stays on reports up to 10 years — but people rebuild to workable credit within a few years, and the debt pressure ends immediately (the 'automatic stay' stops collections and garnishments at filing).
Filing and attorney fees are real; many attorneys offer free consultations and payment plans. Required credit counseling is cheap and quick.
A free consultation tells you whether your situation clears in 7, restructures in 13, or resolves without filing. Information, not commitment.
Sources: US Courts — Bankruptcy basics (official) · LSC — Find legal aid