In most cases, when you file a bankruptcy you must pay secured debt if you intend to retain the property.   A second mortgage is a secured debt; however, in some instances you may be able to wipe that debt out if the value of your home is less than the amount you owe on your first mortgage.  However, the recovering real estate market and rising home values are decreases the cases in which this is an option.  For more about this read, “Can Chapter 13 Help Me Get Rid of Second Mortgage?”