What type of bankruptcy programs are available?

There are two basic programs that are available for consumers who are looking to file bankruptcy.  The first is called Chapter 7 bankruptcy which is complete, fresh start bankruptcy.  Basically what a Chapter 7 bankruptcy will do for you is eliminate all credit card debt, medical debt, personal loans, cash advances and payday loans and some tax debt for individuals.  Some of the things that Chapter 7 will not eliminate are student loans and recent income tax debt.
Also available for consumers are a Chapter 13 reorganization of your debt; Chapter 13 is a good tool for someone who has fallen behind but now has the ability to catch up but needs to hold off creditors while they are allowed to do so.