This chapter examines the development of personal insolvency law from the perspective of the consumer debtors who may become over-indebted either in their private economy or as small entrepreneurs. It is now generally acknowledged that a debt adjustment procedure (consumer bankruptcy) is needed to alleviate the overwhelming debt burden in the credit societies. However, the approach varies in national laws, with some countries allowing a more liberal discharge and others putting stringent condition on the debtors. This chapter present different theoretical views on debt relief. It also discusses central issues in debt adjustment procedures, such as access to relief, inclusion of assets and debts, counselling to debtors and payment plans.