I guess it depends on whether or not your father is using it as a means of control...

I don't have any experience with bankruptcy, though know people who have used it as a tool to help start over. They were at a point where even making changes in spending habits wasn't helping get them out from under the debt...

If it's a control thing on your dad's part (as it would be with mine),then research the different types of bankruptcy & talk to people about it, and other potential options.