Chapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debts including credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, utility bills, and old tax debts. It also discharges deficiency balances from repossessed vehicles or foreclosed properties. However, certain debts survive bankruptcy including recent tax obligations, student loans (with rare exceptions), child support, alimony, and criminal fines. Secured debts like mortgages and car loans continue if you want to keep the property, but you can surrender these assets and eliminate any remaining balance. Most Bar Harbor residents find that Chapter 7 eliminates 70-90% of their total debt burden.