Crucial Question: When Can I File Another Bankruptcy?
It's a matter of timing. And that timing depends on whether you previously filed under Chapter 7 or 13, and what you are filing under now.
Bankruptcy Writes Off (Some) Income Taxes
Bankruptcy permanently writes off income taxes, as long as the tax meets certain conditions. For some taxes the conditions are easy to meet.
Writing Off or Discharging Debts in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13
Bankruptcy is about writing off or discharging debts. The timing of discharge is quite different in Chapter 7 and 13; both are permanent.
“General Unsecured Debts” in Chapter 13
You pay your general unsecured debts only as much as you can afford during a Chapter 13 plan, with the rest then legally written off forever.
Using Time to Your Advantage in Chapter 7 and 13
Chapter 7's big advantage is that it's quick. Chapter 13's big advantage is that it buys you more time to do what you want or need to do.
Timing: Writing Off Recent Credit Card Debt
Using a credit card shortly before filing bankruptcy doesn't seem right. The law agrees. Writing off this kind of debt can be a problem.
Two Examples of Bankruptcy Timing with Medical Debts
How to know whether to delay filing bankruptcy when you're expecting new medical services and their medical debts? Here are two examples.
A Sample Completed Chapter 13 Case
What does the completion of a successful 3-to-year Chapter 13 case look like?What happens to your assets and debts?
Getting Ready to Finish a Chapter 13 Case
Finishing a Chapter 13 case successfully is a big deal. It is rewarding financially and emotionally. Here's how it happens.
A Caution about Severing Your Chapter 13 Case from Your Spouse
If getting separated or divorced while in a Chapter 13 case, you'll likely each need a new lawyer for independent advice about what to do.
Your Voluntary Dismissal of a Chapter 13 Case
The Bankruptcy Code explicitly says that, at the request of the person in a Chapter 13 case, the bankruptcy "court shall dismiss" the case.
Catching up on Child or Spousal Support
If you're behind on support payments, filing under Chapter 13 can legally stop your ex-spouse and support enforcement from pursuing you.
Protecting Your Co-Signer in Bankruptcy
Don't be afraid to file bankruptcy because of how it would affect a co-signer. Your bankruptcy often actually helps that co-signer.
The Judge’s Ruling in a Dischargeability Proceeding: an Example
In our example of the adversary proceeding about whether a debt gets discharged, here is the bankruptcy court's ruling on the matter.
The Closing Arguments in a Dischargeability Proceeding: an Example
In our example about the adversary proceeding about whether a debt gets discharged, here are the creditor's and debtor's closing arguments.
