Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13 — how do I know which?

Bankruptcy attorney here. Quick framework: Chapter 7 is a 'liquidation' — you wipe most unsecured debt (credit cards, medical, personal loans) in ~4-5 months, in exchange for the trustee being allowed to sell any non-exempt assets (in practice, most consumer filers have no non-exempt assets). Chapter 13 is a 3-5 year repayment plan where you pay a portion of debt under court supervision; usually used when you're behind on a house or car you want to keep, OR when your income is too high to pass the Ch 7 means test. Decision tree: (1) Are you behind on a house/car you must keep? Lean 13. (2) Is your household income under the median for your state and family size? You probably pass the Ch 7 means test — lean 7. (3) Above-median income with substantial disposable income? You may be steered into 13. A $200-$300 review with a consumer bankruptcy attorney usually tells you in one meeting which one fits.