Chapter 7 bankruptcy eliminates most unsecured debts completely—credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, old utility bills, and deficiency balances from repossessed cars. You’ll also discharge most lawsuit judgments and collection accounts. However, certain debts survive bankruptcy, including recent taxes, student loans, child support, alimony, and debts from fraud or criminal activity. Secured debts like mortgages and car loans continue, but you can choose to keep the property and continue payments or surrender it and walk away. Most people are surprised by how much debt they can actually eliminate through Chapter 7.