One of the most debilitating things someone can go through is filing for bankruptcy. No one thinks this possible could happen to them until reality sets in and bankruptcy is the last resort. This usually happens when someone is unable to keep up with their financial obligations such as car loans or credit card payments. Not only is it rough on the debtor (or the person who owes the money) but it is hard on the creditor as well (the person, business or municipality to which the money is owed).
While it is usually the debtor who files for bankruptcy, there are the rare occasions when the creditor might do so. This is called involuntary bankruptcy and generally occurs when the creditor is owed a very large sum of money. Creditors have little comfort when trying to collect debts, and therefore are somewhat relieved when someone files for bankruptcy because, no matter how long it might take, they will get their money back.
When someone files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, their assets are combined and then doled out to the creditors. This form of instant gratification is most favored by creditors since they get their money up front. However, when the debtor files for...