Recovery Resource Library™
Glossary, government resources, budget tools, and guides to support your post-bankruptcy recovery journey.
Budget Worksheets
Monthly Budget Template
Track income and expenses by category each month.
Expense Tracker
Log daily and weekly spending to identify patterns.
Savings Goal Worksheet
Set and track progress toward your emergency fund and savings goals.
Recovery Guides
Rebuilding Credit After Bankruptcy
A step-by-step guide to responsibly rebuilding your credit profile.
Secured Credit Card Guide
How to choose and use a secured card to build credit history.
12-Month Recovery Checklist
Month-by-month financial recovery actions for year one post-discharge.
Bankruptcy Glossary
Chapter 7
A form of bankruptcy that allows individuals to discharge most unsecured debts after liquidating non-exempt assets. Known as 'liquidation bankruptcy,' Chapter 7 typically completes within 3–6 months of filing.
Chapter 13
A form of bankruptcy involving a 3–5 year repayment plan. Allows individuals to keep assets while catching up on mortgage or car payments. Commonly called 'reorganization bankruptcy.'
Discharge
A court order that permanently eliminates a debtor's personal legal obligation to repay certain debts. Once discharged, creditors can no longer pursue collection on those debts.
Automatic Stay
An immediate court-ordered halt to most collection actions that takes effect the moment a bankruptcy petition is filed. Stops lawsuits, wage garnishments, foreclosures, and collection calls.
Means Test
A calculation used to determine whether an individual's income is low enough to qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Compares the debtor's average monthly income to the median income in their state.
Trustee
A court-appointed official who oversees bankruptcy cases. In Chapter 7, the trustee reviews the debtor's assets and may liquidate non-exempt property to pay creditors. In Chapter 13, the trustee collects and distributes plan payments.
341 Meeting
The Meeting of Creditors, required in all bankruptcy cases. The debtor must appear under oath and answer questions from the trustee and any creditors who attend. Typically brief — often 5–15 minutes.
Exemptions
State or federal laws that protect certain property (such as a primary home, vehicle, retirement accounts, or household goods) from being liquidated to pay creditors in bankruptcy. Exemption rules vary significantly by state.
Reaffirmation
An agreement to remain legally responsible for a specific debt that would otherwise be discharged in bankruptcy. Commonly used to keep a financed car or home. Requires court approval and can be rescinded within 60 days of filing.
Fresh Start
The principle underlying bankruptcy relief — that individuals overwhelmed by debt should have the opportunity to discharge those obligations and rebuild their financial lives without the burden of unmanageable past debt.
Definitions are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice.
Government & Consumer Resources
U.S. Courts Bankruptcy Information
Official U.S. federal court bankruptcy resources, forms, and information.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
CFPB resources on debt collection, your rights, and financial tools.
AnnualCreditReport.com
The official source for free annual credit reports from all three major bureaus.
USTP Approved Course Providers
U.S. Trustee Program's list of approved credit counseling and debtor education providers.
External links are provided for informational purposes. JustiPal™ does not endorse any external site, organization, or service provider. Users are responsible for independently evaluating any external resource.
JustiPal™ is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. All content is educational and informational only. External links are provided as a convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.