There are many different reasons that you might want to consider speaking with a lawyer about bankruptcy. If you are struggling with making any headway on your credit card debt, or if you have any possibility of being sued then those are two very good signs that you need to consider bankruptcy.
Also, if you have IRS debt then a Chapter 13 bankruptcy can help you eliminate the interest they are charging you and prevent the IRS from filing a lien against your property. Also bankruptcy warning signs include falling behind on a car or a mortgage payment.
Most of the time unsecured debt such as credit card debt is not paid in either a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.