An Overview Of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Chapter 7 bankruptcy is sometimes called "straight" bankruptcy. This bankruptcy cancels most of your debts; in exchange, you might have to surrender some of your property. The whole Chapter 7 bankruptcy process usually takes three to six months, costs about $175 in filing fees, and commonly requires only one trip to the courthouse. To file for bankruptcy, you fill out a two-page petition and several other forms. Then you file the petition forms with the bankruptcy court in your area. Basically, the forms ask you to describe: Your property. You’re current income and its sources. Your curr