 TITLE: What Is the Difference Between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy? CONTENT: Will I Need to Repay All of My Debts in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?\n----------------------------------------------------------------------------\nThis depends on each type of debt involved. With both filings, your unsecured debts (ones not backed by collateral, like medical and credit card bills) are discharged—meaning you won't have to pay them.\nWith Chapter 7, those types of debts are wiped out with your filing's court approval, which can take a few months. Under Chapter 13, you need to continue making payments on those balances throughout your court-instructed repayment plan; afterwards, the unsecured debts may be discharged.\nHowever, certain debts might not be wiped out by either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, including:\n*   Mortgages\n*   Tax debts or government fees\n*   Auto loans\n*   Child support or alimony\n*   Student loans\nSome of those secured loans may be reduced with Chapter 13 bankruptcy to make repayment easier with a \"cramdown,\" in which your court-approved repayment plan decreases the balance you owe. For instance, you could secure a reduced balance on your car loan based on the vehicle's depreciated value. With Chapter 7, there's a potential to discharge secured debt like car loans, if you give up the property involved (in this case, the car). END