Unpaid Child or Spousal Support Never Discharged in Bankruptcy
You can't legally write off child support or spousal support.
Criminal Debts Not Discharged in Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy can't discharge--permanently write off--criminal debts, but it can still help in indirect but potentially game-changing ways.
The 3 Kinds of Debts
Your debts can be "secured," "priority," or "general unsecured." How bankruptcy treats your debts depends on which kind they are.
Bankruptcy Made Simple
Bankruptcy gives you options for taking charge of your financial life.
A Fresh Start against Your Co-Signer
Through bankruptcy, you may be able to and want to pay a co-signed debt. If not, you need protection from that debt and from your co-signer.
A Fresh Start at Protecting Your Co-Signer Better
The "co-debtor stay," available only under Chapter 13, is a creative tool for protecting your co-signer from being forced to pay your debt.
A Fresh Start at Protecting Your Co-Signer
Bankruptcy may give a fresh start not just to you, but also to your relationship with your co-signer.
The Judgment Liens that Can Be “Avoided” from Your Home’s Title
Bankruptcy can't get rid of most creditor liens on what you own. But judgment liens on your home are an exception.
Bankruptcy Timing: Filing in 2016 to Write Off More Income Taxes with Chapter 13
With Chapter 13 you may have to pay some part of the taxes that you could just discharge under Chapter 7, but it may be worth it.
Bankruptcy Timing and the Holidays: Personal Injury Damages from Driving Under the Influence
Even bankruptcy cannot help if you drink and drive, cause an accident, and hurt somebody, damage property, or are fined.
Bankruptcy Timing and the Holidays: The “Cash Advances” Presumption of Fraud
If you can, don't do cash advances during the holidays if you're contemplating filing bankruptcy. If you do, understand the rules about them.
Bankruptcy Timing and the Holidays: The “Luxury” Presumption of Fraud
If you're considering filing bankruptcy, try to avoid using credit cards to finance the holidays. But if you do, there are some extra risks.
Giving More Thanks for Chapter 7 “Straight Bankruptcy”
Here are more features of Chapter 7 worth knowing and taking advantage of.
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13–Child and Spousal Support
Unpaid support is the highest priority of the "priority" debts. Chapter 7 frees up money to pay it. Chapter 13 buys you time to do so.
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13–Unsecured Debts
Which of the two consumer bankruptcy options is better for you if you have lots of unsecured debts depends on the kind of unsecured debts.