There are several types of bankruptcy, but the 2 that apply most directly to a person who cannot pay their bills are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.
 
Chapter 7 This is also known as a "fresh start" bankruptcy, or "liquidation". Your debts are discharged (canceled), but you must give up any nonexempt property to the trustee to pay to your creditors. You can keep secured property if you are current on the payments and continue making the payments regularly.
 
Chapter 13 This is also called "reorganization", "Wage earner plan." Chapter 13 allows you to keep valuable property, such as your home or car, which you might otherwise lose due to past due payments. You can keep this type of property in Chapter 13 if you are able to make the necessary payments. Usually that will be the regular monthly payments plus a payment toward the arrears. In Chapter 13, you can have between three and five years to pay back the arrears.