U.S. citizens may file personal bankruptcy if they believe their debts are too high to repay. It is part of federal law giving citizens the right to file bankruptcy. This is in order to reduce or eliminate their debt burden. The process does require showing the inability to make payment and it does have consequences including a black mark on your credit report that will remain there for up to ten years. To file personal bankruptcy, individuals will need to petition the court. This may be occurring with a bankruptcy attorney, the recommended approach, or through filing petitions on your own. A hearing happens to determine the need to file bankruptcy and the circumstances. If the process proceeds, a judge will make a permanent ruling within six months of the claim, in most cases.