Bankruptcy, over the years, has received a bad image. The simple truth is that bankruptcy has helped many people, who for one reason or another fell behind on their bill payments, by getting them back on track. Whether it is a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, if you are currently having problems with many payments, bankruptcy could possibly help you to alleviate your mound of debt, and give you a chance to start over financially. The first course of action is to contact a bankruptcy lawyer. A bankruptcy lawyer can give you information on which type of bankruptcy is best for you to file. For instance, if you are behind on your home mortgage, then a Chapter 13 bankruptcy will keep you from losing your home. Keep in mind that just because you file for bankruptcy, does not mean that you will lose your chance of getting credit forever. There are many types of bankruptcy loans available to help those who have filed bankruptcy to get their credit rating back up to an average number. No matter what your current situation, if you feel that you may qualify and need to file for bankruptcy, you should consult with a bankruptcy lawyer to determine your next course of action.