bankrupt

Bankrupt is a status in which a person or organization is unable to repay debts as they come due, typically arising from insolvency. In most jurisdictions, bankruptcy also refers to a formal court-supervised process designed to resolve outstanding debts, either by liquidating assets to pay creditors or by reorganizing obligations under a repayment plan. The terms insolvency, bankruptcy, and administration are related but not interchangeable, and practices vary by country.

In a typical bankruptcy proceeding, the debtor or creditors petition a court. An automatic stay often halts most collection actions, giving the debtor temporary protection. A trustee or administrator is appointed to oversee the estate, identify assets, and distribute proceeds to creditors. Depending on the jurisdiction and the type of case, the outcome may be liquidation of assets to satisfy debts or approval of a reorganization plan that allows the debtor to continue business operations and gradually repay creditors. When the process concludes, the debtor may receive a discharge, releasing them from most remaining dischargeable debts. Certain obligations, such as some taxes, priority debts, and alimony or child support, are often non-dischargeable.

Bankruptcy systems vary by jurisdiction. In the United States, common forms include Chapter 7 (liquidation), Chapter 11 (reorganization for businesses, sometimes individuals), and Chapter 13 (reorganization for individuals with regular income). In other countries, processes may include administration, liquidation, or consumer proposals, with different rules on asset exemptions, creditor rights, and discharge periods.

Bankruptcy can have lasting effects on creditworthiness and financial freedoms, influence obligations to creditors, and in some cases lead to the dissolution of a business. It is typically considered a last resort after other debt-resolution options have been explored.