Bankruptcy

What debts cannot be discharged in bankruptcy?

Most student loans, recent income taxes, child support, alimony, criminal fines, and debts obtained by fraud survive bankruptcy.

Full Answer

The Bankruptcy Code lists 19 categories of non-dischargeable debts. The most common are student loans (absent a showing of undue hardship), income taxes less than three years old, child support, alimony, criminal fines and restitution, and debts incurred by fraud or willful injury.

Some debts are dischargeable in Chapter 13 but not Chapter 7 (so-called 'superdischarge' debts), which is one factor in choosing between chapters. A bankruptcy attorney can review your specific debts and recommend the best path.

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