What debts can be discharged in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Most unsecured debts, such as credit cards, medical bills, repossessed vehicles, and things in collections will usually be dischargeable in bankruptcy. Secured debts, such as mortgages and car loans can be discharged in the bankruptcy, but the creditor would most likely be allowed to take possession of those items after the bankruptcy ends.
Some debts are not dischargeable. Typically, those would be student loans (unless you can meet the very difficult requirements to allow them to be discharged, taxes, child support, spousal maintenance, court fines, restitution, and traffic tickets. In addition, any debts obtained through fraud may be deemed to be non-dischargeable in bankruptcy. For example, if you charged several thousand dollars on a credit card shortly before filing for bankruptcy, there may be a presumption that those charges are not dischargeable in bankruptcy. The same could be said for any luxury purchases or cash advances. There are a number of other reasons why a debt may not be discharged in bankruptcy. Please consult with an experienced attorney at Kent & Wittner, P.S. to discuss the particular facts of your case.