While bankruptcy law was originally intended to allow you to make a second start after incurring overwhelming debt, don't expect it to be easy or simple to file these days. You'll have to set up payment plans for all your existing debts, and in most cases they'll be handled by a court-appointed trustee who will collect the money from you to pay them.

Although bankruptcy law varies from state to state, you should be aware that even in states like Texas, where the court has to leave you with your homestead and one automobile, you'll still have to make the payments on those items to avoid foreclosure and repossession.

Because bankruptcy laws are no longer advantageous to the average citizen, it's a good idea to thoroughly explore the alternatives to bankruptcy first. Bankruptcies can stay on your credit for up to ten years, making it extremely difficult to get loans or any form of credit.