One of the main tenets behind bankruptcy law is to allow the debtor the chance to develop a bankruptcy plan. If you can learn as much as possible on how to file bankruptcy before you start the proceedings. Realize both the drawbacks and the positive aspects of declaring bankruptcy. If you are filing a personal bankruptcy in the United States you will most likely be filing under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. You can discover how to file bankruptcy under Chapter 7 by looking at various websites. They will inform you that you will need to take a "means" test. If you are eligible, under Chapter 7, a trustee will liquidate all your nonexempt assets. The cash derived from this will go to pay your secured and unsecured creditors. Under Chapter 13, your financial situation will undergo a restructuring or reorganization. Whatever type of bankruptcy you apply for, you can go online and download the forms. You must, however, take the forms to your local office of the Bankruptcy Court.