As a general rule family members are not affected in any way if a member declares bankruptcy. In most places according to bankruptcy law a married person can file for bankruptcy alone unless the assets are owned jointly or in case of common bank accounts and also if one is self employed and one's spouse is a partner in the business.
Regarding your family assets depending on your debt condition one can exempt the house and cars from the list of assets that can be liquidated and ensure that the family's standard of living is not affected. Also declaring bankruptcy enables one to make a fresh start and one can in fact utilize existing resources to start saving for the future especially regarding the children's education.
One would though have problems acquiring fresh credit in the form of loans or mortgages as the rate of interest is generally higher and additional securities are required in these circumstances. A related factor but grossly neglected is adequate health insurance, a vital necessity that does not let one's financial problems affect other areas of family concern.
Regarding your family assets depending on your debt condition one can exempt the house and cars from the list of assets that can be liquidated and ensure that the family's standard of living is not affected. Also declaring bankruptcy enables one to make a fresh start and one can in fact utilize existing resources to start saving for the future especially regarding the children's education.
One would though have problems acquiring fresh credit in the form of loans or mortgages as the rate of interest is generally higher and additional securities are required in these circumstances. A related factor but grossly neglected is adequate health insurance, a vital necessity that does not let one's financial problems affect other areas of family concern.