Debt Relief: Options for Managing and Reducing Debt Burdens

Filing bankruptcy costs $338 for Chapter 7 or $313 for Chapter 13 in court fees, plus attorney and course costs. See the full price and how to file for less.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy stays on your credit report up to 10 years and Chapter 13 about 7, from the filing date. See when it falls off and how to rebuild sooner.

Life after bankruptcy means rebuilding credit, often within 12 to 18 months. See the recovery timeline, loan waiting periods and steps to raise your score.

Learn how to read a debt settlement letter: verify the creditor, settlement amount and payment deadline, spot red flags and get the agreement in writing.