Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a liquidation process where a trustee may sell assets to repay debts, while Chapter 13 is a structured repayment plan designed to help individuals catch up over time.

Bankruptcy can be a strong option for homeowners who are behind on mortgage payments or facing foreclosure.

Some states limit what a bank can do after a mortgage default. Mitchell Sussman explains that the one action rule allows a lender to choose only one path when a borrower stops paying. The bank can either foreclose on the home or file a lawsuit to collect the debt, but it cannot do both.