Regardless of what type of
bankruptcy you decide to pursue, your ultimate goal is to achieve what is known as
debt discharge. Discharge is often the beginning of your new financial
future free of your past debts. Bankruptcy cases are normally closed once
the discharge has been granted.
Most people file bankruptcy under one of two chapters of federal bankruptcy law, commonly referred to as Chapter 7, or liquidation bankruptcy, or Chapter 13, known as repayment plan bankruptcy. While the ultimate goal of both types of bankruptcy are debt discharge, each has its own discharge process with different pros and cons.
In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, many of the debtor’s personal assets are sold, or liquidated, and the resulting funds distributed to pay as much of the total aggregate debt owed to creditors as possible. The amount paid each creditor is determined by a court-appointed trustee. The trustee’s main role is to handle the liquidation and issue payments to the creditors.
Debts owned to creditors will be paid from the proceeds of the liquidation. Once those funds are exhausted and the court is satisfied that the debtor has paid all they are capable of paying, the judge will issue a formal discharge in the case.
What the discharge does is create a permanent injunction against any creditor whose debts were included in the bankruptcy settlement from pursuing any and all future debt collection actions against the creditor. This means than any portion of the debts not paid by the liquidation are considered null and void, the debtor is no longer liable for those debts, and the creditor can never again attempt to collect payment on those debts from the debtor.
Discharge is considerably different in Chapter 13 bankruptcy. In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the debtor is not required to liquidate their assets. Instead, the debt is consolidated and the debtor is required to make regular payments to the court-appointed trustee for distribution to the creditors. In this form of bankruptcy, the debtor keeps their property, and creditors collect a percentage of the total debt owned them.
One advantage of discharge under Chapter 13 is that it allows you discharge a broader range of debts, including many that would not be dischargeable under Chapter 7. This includes such things as debts incurred to pay for non-dischargeable debt – for instance, using a credit card to pay for an outstanding tax bill. Taxes are not considered dischargeable, but, if you pay the taxes with a credit card or with a cash advance obtained with a credit card, the resulting credit card debt is considered dischargeable. Also, while child support or alimony are not dischargeable, any debt you acquired in order to pay those obligations is, as are any debts that may have been assigned to you as part of a divorce settlement.
Deciding which type of discharge best suits your personal position can help you decide which type of bankruptcy is right for you.
Deciding to file for bankruptcy is not a decision to be taken lightly.
Contact our experienced legal team today to see if bankruptcy is right for you.
