Bankruptcy is a system by which you legally can escape from the burden of debt. After bankruptcy filing,, you will , in the United States, wait approximately 6 weeks to see whether your petition is accepted. If you are rejected, you can always reapply under another chapter or type of bankruptcy. This is particularly true for Chapter 7 filings. The means test results in increased rejection. Many who fail the means test now apply for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy instead. Once accepted, you move onto the next phase. This involves a trustee. The trustee will work with your creditors and yourself to arrange the settlement of your debts. Initially, you will attend a meeting in 1 month. This is the 341 meeting. Meanwhile, the creditors and your trustee will hammer out an agreement. In Canada, there are several counselling sessions between the trustee and the debtor. It is only after the debtor has fulfilled his or her obligations that the trustee will recommend discharge. Discharge means all eligible debt has been erased. In the United States, discharge occurs after 5 or 6 months.