What is a Chapter 7 Discharge

When discussing filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you may hear the term discharge being used frequently. While most of your debts will be affected by the Chapter 7 discharge, some may not be.

What Qualifies?

Most debts can be discharged through Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Most people already know that credit cards, medical bills and collection accounts will receive a discharge under Chapter 7.  You can also get a Chapter 7 Discharge on past due utility bills or money owed to an old landlord.  With all of these items qualifying for a discharge, you may wonder what does not qualify.

Non-Qualifying Items.

Although some attorney fees may be able to be discharged, those related to alimony or child support usually do not go away with a Chapter 7 Discharge. You also may not be able to receive a discharge for student loans in most circumstances.  If you obtained a loan through fraud or misrepresentation (dishonesty on an application, for example), you may not get rid of that debt.

The bankruptcy discharge does not, generally, get rid of liens on property.  If you were sued, that may be a lien and you should talk to your bankruptcy attorney about it.

 

What does the discharge mean?

Once you have received your discharge, you are no longer legally responsible to pay those creditors. Creditors are not allowed to attempt to collect on the debts in which you get a bankruptcy discharge.   The amount of time it takes to receive a full discharge of your debt will depend on the length of your bankruptcy proceedings, but you will usually get a discharge in three or four months after the case was filed.

 

Sean C. Paul is licensed to practice law in the State of Missouri. His practice is located in downtown Kansas City. He can help you with your Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy case. Sean C. Paul will give you the individual attention you deserve. He will meet with you one-on-one to determine how he can help you. If you are considering filing bankruptcy in Missouri, please call today. Sean C. Paul, Attorney at Law Google+ Profile.