Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy law is the branch of civil law that covers federal bankruptcy and state insolvency laws and regulations as they apply to individuals, municipalities, and businesses. During bankruptcy, a court administers the estate (the property and other assets) of a debtor (a person or business who owes money to others) for the benefit of creditors (a person or business that is owed money). In voluntary bankruptcy proceedings, individuals or businesses may file for bankruptcy in an attempt to resolve a hopeless financial situation; although, from time to time, a creditor may force the filing of an involuntary bankruptcy proceeding.