If it is obvious that you cannot pay all of your obligations or if attempts to work out a payment schedule with your creditors have failed and you are facing the possibility that a creditor may file suit and/or seize assets, you may obtain relief under a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 of the Bankruptcy Code. When a bankruptcy petition is filed, it stops all collection attempts by a creditor. It allows you either to pay all or a portion of your debts over a period of time or eliminates the debts entirely through a bankruptcy discharge. Your attorney can advise you of your rights and options at your first appointment. Free Case Evaluation.