I want to declare personal bankruptcy but I wish to pay some of the debt. Do I use Chapter 7 or 13?

In a Chapter 7 case, you can voluntarily repay any or all of your debts after your case is completed.  In a Chapter 13 case  you can do a repayment plan of anywhere from zero to one-hundred percent of your debts, depending on your budget, but you cannot pick and choose who gets paid.  Of course, after your Chapter 13 case is completed (usually after 60 months), you can--just as in a Chapter 7 case--repay anyone you want. Which chapter is in your best interest can only be determined after a comprehensive consultation with a bankruptcy attorney in your area.   Mark Markus has been practicing exclusively bankruptcy law in California since 1991.  He is a Certified Specialist in Bankruptcy Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization,  AV-Rated by martindale.com, and A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau