What debts are dischargeable?

Asked by: Robin Kshlerin  |  Last update: December 7, 2022
Score: 4.1/5 (33 votes)

Some common dischargeable debts include credit card debt and medical bills. Other debts such as domestic support and tax obligations are generally non-dischargeable due to public policy reasons. 11 U.S.C.A. § 523 lists out exemptions to dischargeable debts and non-dischargeable debts.

What kind of debts Cannot be discharged?

Domestic support obligations, like alimony and child support are always considered non-dischargeable debts in bankruptcy. You can't get rid of past due domestic support payments by filing a bankruptcy case. This is one of those public policy interest exceptions.

Are all debts dischargeable?

Not all debts are discharged. The debts discharged vary under each chapter of the Bankruptcy Code. Section 523(a) of the Code specifically excepts various categories of debts from the discharge granted to individual debtors. Therefore, the debtor must still repay those debts after bankruptcy.

Why are some debts not dischargeable?

Debts Never Discharged in Bankruptcy

Alimony and child support. Certain unpaid taxes, such as tax liens. However, some federal, state, and local taxes may be eligible for discharge if they date back several years. Debts for willful and malicious injury to another person or property.

How do I know what debts were discharged?

The discharge order sent by the Clerk's Office will contain a general statement about the categories of debts that are discharged. The individual debts that are discharged will not be listed on the discharge order.

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37 related questions found

Are personal loans dischargeable?

Key Takeaways. There are different types of dischargeable debt, as well as different types of bankruptcies. Often personal loans from friends and family can be discharged. Some debt might not be discharged in bankruptcy, such as student loans and taxes.

Who determines which debts discharged?

The bankruptcy court has exclusive jurisdiction to determine dischargeability of these debts. If a complaint is not timely filed, the debt is discharged. See §523(c).

Can a creditor collect on a discharged debt?

Can a debt collector try to collect on a debt that was discharged in bankruptcy? Debt collectors cannot try to collect on debts that were discharged in bankruptcy. Also, if you file for bankruptcy, debt collectors are not allowed to continue collection activities while the bankruptcy case is pending in court.

What is an exception to discharge?

These exceptions to the discharge remain due and. owing, to whatever extent they were due and owing prior to the bankruptcy case, as personal. liabilities of the debtor. The general rule is that a prepetition debt is discharged unless a specific. exception to the discharge provides otherwise.

Is credit card debt discharged in Chapter 7?

In most cases, you can get rid of credit card debt in Chapter 7 bankruptcy. A primary reason many people file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is to discharge (wipe out) credit card debt. In most situations, your obligation to pay the balance will go away at the end of your case--except in instances of fraud, that is.

How much do you have to be in debt to file Chapter 7?

Again, there's no minimum or maximum amount of unsecured debt required to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy. In fact, your amount of debt doesn't affect your eligibility at all. You can file as long as you pass the means test. One thing that does matter is when you incurred your unsecured debt.

What debts are not dischargeable in Chapter 13?

Debts not discharged in chapter 13 include certain long term obligations (such as a home mortgage), debts for alimony or child support, certain taxes, debts for most government funded or guaranteed educational loans or benefit overpayments, debts arising from death or personal injury caused by driving while intoxicated ...

Does Chapter 13 Get rid of all debt?

In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you must repay some debts in full through your Chapter 13 plan. Most debtors pay unsecured, nonpriority creditors in part through the plan, and then the remainder of the debt is discharged at the end of the bankruptcy.

What do you lose when you file Chapter 7?

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy will generally discharge your unsecured debts, such as credit card debt, medical bills and unsecured personal loans. The court will discharge these debts at the end of the process, generally about four to six months after you start.

What is the lowest amount you can file bankruptcies?

There isn't a minimum amount of debt you need in order to file a Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. If you owe as low as $1, you can still file for bankruptcy. There are, however, many practical reasons why you should seek other alternatives than filing bankruptcy unless your debts are too high.

When should I stop paying bills before Chapter 7?

If possible, 90 days before filing is the time to stop using your credit cards once you know that you're going to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy. You can't max out credit cards before bankruptcy just because you're about to file. Bankruptcy provides relief for the honest but unfortunate debtor.

What can they take during bankruptcies?

What assets can I keep in bankruptcy in Alberta?
  • Food required by you and your dependents during the next 12 months.
  • Necessary clothing up to a value of $4,000.
  • Household furnishings and appliances to a value of $4,000.
  • One motor vehicle not exceeding a value of $5,000 (equity)

How much do you pay monthly for bankruptcies?

If the family income is greater than the amount on the Standards, the bankrupt is required to pay 50% of the EXCESS. For example, if you earned $400 more each month than the Standards indicate is necessary, you would be required to pay 50% or that, or $200 per month.

What can you not do after filing bankruptcies?

After you file for bankruptcy protection, your creditors can't call you, or try to collect payment from you for medical bills, credit card debts, personal loans, unsecured debts, or other types of debt.

Can you withdraw money before filing bankruptcies?

Unfortunately, it doesn't matter if the money is set aside for a specific bill or purpose; if it's not exempt, the trustee can take it. You are allowed to spend the money you have before filing your case. Although that may sound a bit strange, the bankruptcy law and exemptions exist to protect you.

Can I spend money after filing Chapter 7?

Frivolous spending after you file could put your case in jeopardy. Spending money willy-nilly after you file for bankruptcy could appear like fraud and upend your court ruling.

Is it better to file a Chapter 7 or 13?

Most people prefer Chapter 7 bankruptcy because, unlike Chapter 13 bankruptcy, it doesn't require you to repay a portion of your debt to creditors. In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you must pay all of your disposable income—the amount remaining after allowed monthly expenses—to your creditors for three to five years.

What assets can you keep in Chapter 7?

Bankruptcy Exemptions: What Property Can you Keep In Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
  • Houses, Cars, and Property Encumbered By a Secured Loan. ...
  • Household Goods and Clothing. ...
  • Retirement Accounts. ...
  • Money, Jewelry, and Other Property.

What is the average credit score after Chapter 13?

The average credit score after bankruptcy is about 530, based on VantageScore data. In general, bankruptcy can cause a person's credit score to drop between 150 points and 240 points. You can check out WalletHub's credit score simulator to get a better idea of how much your score will change due to bankruptcy.

What is the average monthly payment for Chapter 13?

The average payment for a Chapter 13 case overall is probably about $500 to $600 per month. This information, however, may not be very helpful for your particular situation. It takes into account a large number of low payment amounts where low income debtors are paying very little back.