The main difference is that in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case the debtor's nonexempt property, if any, is liquidated to pay as much as the debt as possible. In Chapter 13 bankruptcy a portion of the debtor's future income is used to pay as much as the debt as feasible under the debtor's circumstances. Typically, in a Chapter 7 case the debtor loses most of his or her nonexempt assets and receives a Chapter 7 discharge. While in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy case, the debtor usually retains their nonexempt property, but must pay back as much as the trustee deems feasible for the debtor to pay over 3-5 years. Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases take less time and is less expensive than Chapter 13, but with Chapter 13 cases allow a debtor who is above the median income or who has a large amount of nonexempt assets to keep their assets and receive the protection of bankruptcy.