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  1. eHow
  2. Personal Finance
  3. Bankruptcy & Debt
  4. Discharge in Bankruptcy

Discharge in Bankruptcy

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  • What Are the Sanctions for a Loan Proposal?

    A loan proposal is a collection of documents that borrowers use to apply for a loan. Lenders require a certain amount of information from the borrower when considering whether to make the loan. Borrowers must reveal their financial status, their income and debt levels, their credit scores, and many other types of information. The lender then closely examines and corroborates the information. If the loan proposal is successful, it will lead to a sanction of loan terms.

  • Can I Call a Creditor to Work Out a Deal While in Bankruptcy?

    One of the benefits of bankruptcy is the "automatic stay" that the bankruptcy court issues against your creditors. After you file for bankruptcy, your creditors must stop contacting you and instead work with your bankruptcy trustee if they hope to recoup any funds. If there is a debt that you don't want discharged in bankruptcy, talk to your lawyer or bankruptcy trustee, not your creditors, about reaffirming the debt.

  • Does a Creditor Have to Note That a Consumer Disputes?

    You are not restricted to disputing with the credit bureaus alone when you find incorrect information on your credit report. You have the right to dispute the data with the creditor that originally reported the information to the credit bureaus. Like the credit bureaus, the creditor must comply with federal guidelines and conduct an investigation within 30 days. Creditors that receive credit report disputes from consumers must not only investigate each claim but also notify the credit bureaus of the dispute.

  • Can You File a Motion to Sever After a Discharged Bankruptcy?

    A motion to sever can be a motion to dismiss a particular ruling or reopen a closed case. In bankruptcy, a creditor, debtor or trustee may file a motion to dismiss or reopen a discharged bankruptcy for a number of reasons including criminal activity, omission of debts and unfair financial loss.

  • What Happens at the Bankruptcy Discharge Meeting?

    After a person files a Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition, he must attend a meeting with creditors. The purpose of the meeting is for an appointed bankruptcy trustee to gather information about a petitioner and his case. A petitioner receives a notice of bankruptcy discharge approximately 60 days after the meeting.

  • How to Remove a Lien on an Oregon Bankruptcy Judgment

    When an Oregon debtor files for bankruptcy, the laws surrounding the petition are ruled by the federal government. While filing for bankruptcy is difficult at best, one of the pluses is the removal of liens from the property of the debtor. Although most liens are automatically removed, some are not, such as those for child support. If the debtor does not proceed carefully, a secret tax lien could be placed on his retirement assets.

  • What Happens When a Creditor Is Sanctioned in a Bankruptcy Case?

    People experiencing severe financial distress may attempt to seek relief by filing for bankruptcy. Upon filing, debtors receive immediate protection against creditor activity, at least until the case is resolved. Creditors who violate the legal protection afforded to debtors may face sanctions or penalties, which are typically financial in nature.

  • Can You Remove a Judicial Lien After a Chapter 7 Discharge in Colorado?

    A Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharge rules that you are no longer responsible for paying certain debts. It doesn't make the debts themselves go away; it just bars your creditors from pursuing you for payment. Creditors sometimes manage to place a lien against your property for money owed before you file for bankruptcy protection. If you don't remove it, you may still be liable for paying the debt even though you technically discharged it in bankruptcy.

  • Can I Sue a Creditor?

    Your creditors are not above the law. The federal government keeps consumer statutes in place to protect consumers from unethical creditor behavior. State governments have the right to place further restrictions on creditors as they see fit. If a creditor violates your rights under state or federal law, you have the right to take legal action in an effort to rectify the situation.

  • Will Filing Bankruptcy Discharge a Lawsuit Judgment?

    Bankruptcy discharges or erases your debts if you've filed for Chapter 7 relief. If you file for Chapter 13 protection, this also discharges your debts after you've paid off most or all of them, depending on whether they're unsecured or secured by collateral. In either case, if you include a judgment creditor in your bankruptcy petition with your list of debts, you can usually have the judgment removed after your bankruptcy discharge.

  • What Is the Deadline to Amend a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Case?

    Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy can give you the ability to start over and wipe your debt clean. When you complete the petition for Chapter 7, you include information about your assets and your creditors. If after filling this out, you need to make some changes, you can amend the bankruptcy petition at some point.

  • Are Federal Taxes Contingent in a Bankruptcy?

    Debtors going through the process of bankruptcy still have to pay federal income tax, although the filing requirements are different. What documents you need to file will depend on whether you file a Chapter 13 or a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. However, both bankruptcy strategies have the same special rule regarding the taxation of forgiven debt, which has significant implications for future years.

  • Is Everything on My Bankruptcy Discharge Discharged?

    Once a federal bankruptcy court closes a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case, the court issues a bankruptcy discharge order. Everything stated as a discharged debt on the discharge order is in fact discharged. Not all of the debts that you list on your bankruptcy forms can be discharged through bankruptcy proceedings, but undischarged debts should not appear on the discharge order.

  • Can a Bankruptcy Discharge Be Reversed?

    A court can reverse a bankruptcy discharge only if the bankruptcy filer is found to have improperly or incompletely reported debts. The Bankruptcy Code outlines the instances in which a court can reverse (the legal term is "revoke") a discharge. In all cases, the filer is entitled to a hearing with a lawyer before the court decides whether the allegations are true.

  • Bankruptcy Lien Discharge

    A lien is a claim that a creditor has on a property. Creditors file liens at local recording offices in order to cement their claim on the value a house has, so that they can collect on this value when homeowners do not pay them. Liens are common for mortgages and other house loans, but they also occur frequently in construction projects when contractors or subcontractors file liens in order to collect on money they have not yet been paid. Bankruptcy can affect liens in a variety of ways.

  • I Need a Car, But My Bankruptcy Is Not Discharged

    When a person gets into financial difficulties, one of the ways to relieve some of his debt burden is by declaring bankruptcy. When a bankruptcy is discharged, the person's debts disappear. Not all debts, however, are discharged. If there is a lien on a vehicle, for example, a creditor may attempt to recover the property.

  • What Happens if a Creditor Objects to Bankruptcy?

    If you qualify for bankruptcy, you can usually get a discharge of your debts from the bankruptcy court. However, qualifying for bankruptcy does not mean you have the right to a bankruptcy discharge. Errors you make in filing your case can result in a dismissal by the court and a successful objection to your petition by your creditors may also result in the court denying the discharge of some or all of your debt.

  • Can I Sue a Creditor for Usury?

    Usury occurs when a bank or other financial institution loans money to a consumer or business with an illegally high interest rate. Usury is illegal in almost all commercial and consumer-related instances. A debtor may have the right to sue a creditor for usury depending on the type of credit extended. Usury laws require a consumer or business to prove usury before collecting damages.

  • Can a Creditor Object to Discharge in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy After the Deadline?

    A Chapter 7 bankruptcy is known as a total bankruptcy, since it allows for full discharge of debts. However, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy also gives the bankruptcy court greater power to sell debtor possessions in order to pay off the most secured debts. Laws for Chapter 7 bankruptcies and how possessions are treated can vary by state, but federal government oversees all bankruptcy laws so that some restrictions are common throughout all states. In general, debtors are protected from creditors during the bankruptcy process, but creditors can object to the discharge process and attempt to ensure certain discharges do not…

  • How to Buy a Car During Bankruptcy in Massachusetts

    Buying a car while you are in bankruptcy in Massachusetts can be a drawn-out process if you have filed for Chapter 13. In Chapter 13, you make payments to the bankruptcy trustee over a period of three to five years. As a result, the trustee and the court must review your finances to determine whether you can afford the car payment. However, if you have filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you may purchase a car at any time, without court approval.

  • Will a Creditor Sue?

    Credit card companies and other types of creditors are entitled to receive what you owe them. Defaulting on your bills damages your credit score, after which it becomes difficult to get credit. What's more, when you fall behind on your payments, your creditor can sue you.

  • Is a Judgment the Same As a Lien & Which One Is Worse?

    When you find yourself in debt, creditors can use a number of tactics to try to collect the balance that you owe. In this situation, you may hear the terms "judgment" and "lien" used frequently. While these terms are related to one another, they do not mean the same thing.

  • Schedule F Bankruptcy Discharge

    When you file for bankruptcy to keep your creditors at bay and the judgment is in your favor, you ultimately receive a discharge of certain debts. You begin a bankruptcy case by filing a bankruptcy petition with the bankruptcy court serving your district. You must also file bankruptcy schedules. It is of the utmost importance that you correctly prepare bankruptcy Schedule F. Otherwise, you may not receive a discharge of the debts you aim to discharge.

  • How Can I Get Copies of a Bankruptcy Filing in Mississippi?

    You can obtain copies of a bankruptcy filing in Mississippi, but you may have pay an associated fee. The simplest way to get the copies is to visit the district bankruptcy court that issued the bankruptcy discharge. Other resources are also available if you'd prefer to make your request online.

  • What Happens When You Lose to a Creditor in Court?

    Debt plagues thousands of Americans each year, and unfortunately, many creditors take their clients to court in order to collect what the clients owe. The loss of a debt lawsuit is actually part of the initial stages of the formal collection process through the court. This is because it is only after the creditor has the judgment against you that it is possible to forcibly collect from you.

  • The Discharge of Secured Judgment Liens in Bankruptcy

    A judgment typically contains an order or direction for one person to pay money to another person. The judgment creates a personal obligation similar to a debt. Additionally, a judgment creditor can cause the judgment to become a lien on the debtor's property. Bankruptcy resolves the personal obligation and the lien in a different manner. Generally, bankruptcy discharges the personal obligation, but it may not eliminate the secured lien created by the judgment.

  • Will Bankruptcy Discharge a Lien From a Lawsuit?

    If you're behind in your debts, a lien is a tool your creditor can use to make you pay. By winning a suit against you over your debt, your creditor can acquire the legal right to file a lien, or claim on your property. Bankruptcy cannot usually discharge liens -- though it can prevent your creditor from ever filing one -- but there are exceptions to this rule.

  • Can a Second Mortgage Company Sue After a Bankruptcy Discharge?

    A bankruptcy discharge can wipe out many of your debts, but not all of them. In Chapter 7, you can discharge a second mortgage, but your lender can still file suit to foreclose. Chapter 13 can't discharge a second mortgage unless your house has dropped in value. While bankruptcy can't stop your second-mortgage lender from foreclosing, it prevents the lender from suing for money.

  • How to Get Copies of My Old Bankruptcy Discharge Papers Filed in Los Angeles

    Across the country, the federal government maintains huge warehouses stacked with court records. They records are in the same facilities as civil and criminal cases, along with other federal government documents. The location of your bankruptcy records from Los Angeles depends on their age, because the government maintains multiple facilities. The records are available by mail and fax, although you may be able to pick them up in person.

  • What Happens When a Creditor Threatens to Sue?

    When a person owes a debt to another party and then fails to pay back the money according to the terms reached with the creditor, the other creditor usually has the legal right to sue the person for failing to pay the money that he owes. A creditor can threaten to sue only if he has the legal right to do so. If he does not, then this threat is illegal.

  • How Long of a Period Has to Pass After an Asset Transfer to File for Bankruptcy?

    One part of a bankruptcy trustee's job is to make sure that if your creditors can get paid, they will. If you repay a creditor or transfer property or money within a certain time before you file a bankruptcy, your bankruptcy trustee may be able to go take that money back and use it to pay other creditors. The time period the trustee can look back depends on the type of transfer.

  • California Statute & Sanctions in a Divorce

    The California divorce law is located in the Family Code section of the California code. The Family Code includes a section whereby courts may impose sanctions on a spouse who frustrates the process or fails to cooperate with the divorce proceedings. Since sanctions may include expensive attorney fees and litigation costs, the statutes and sanction laws in the state of California are important to understand when faced with the possibility of divorce.

  • Can You Buy Something Before a Bankruptcy?

    Filing for bankruptcy is meant to be a last resort for individuals who are in over their heads with debt. It is not a "get out of jail free card" that you can use to rack up charges and then get out of them. This, however, does not stop some people from trying to take advantage of the system and get out of their debt.

  • Bankruptcy Discharge Requirements

    Bankruptcy relieves consumers of troublesome debt obligations. After a bankruptcy is complete, consumers essentially have a financial clean slate and a second chance to rebuild credit and recover money and assets given up during the bankruptcy. Before a bankruptcy can be completed or "discharged," certain requirements must be met and orders put in place to permanently release a consumer from debts.

  • Differences Between a Bankruptcy Discharge and Being Closed

    Bankruptcy is such a highly technical process that the United States Courts recommend you hire an attorney if you intend to file. Part of the complexity arises from the terminology of bankruptcy, much of which sounds similar but has very different meanings. While you ultimately do want the court to close your bankruptcy case, your primary goal is to obtain the bankruptcy discharge.

  • What Do I Do When I Leave Out a Creditor in a Bankruptcy?

    One of the fundamental principles of bankruptcy law is that you must provide the court with an accurate representation of your financial situation. Part of this requirement includes listing all of your creditors, to the best of your ability. However, it is possible you might overlook a creditor when you file the paperwork. Once you discover the error, take steps to rectify the situation to avoid adverse consequences in your bankruptcy case.

  • Can Things Ordered in a Divorce Be Included in Bankruptcy?

    Financial ruin often marches right beside emotional devastation when you go through divorce. Legal fees, support payments and maintaining two households instead of one can run you into the poorhouse no matter how financially responsible you might have been in your married life. Bankruptcy can provide some relief from black eyes you received in divorce; however, you can't include everything.

  • What Happens During a Bankruptcy Hearing When a Creditor Objects?

    Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy gives you the opportunity to have part of your debts discharged. During the bankruptcy process, your creditors have the right to object to the discharge before it goes through. When this happens, you must respond to the objection before it can be processed by the bankruptcy court.

  • What Happens After a Creditor Files a Claim in Bankruptcy?

    If an individual or business files a bankruptcy petition, creditors are required to come forth with proof of their claims against the debtors. Because bankruptcies nearly always involve multiple parties who are usually established in different states, federal laws and courts handle bankruptcy cases. These laws set down specific procedures for establishing and paying creditors' claims.

  • Can I Get a Passport If I Owe Taxes?

    Owing back taxes won't prevent you from obtaining a passport. You must complete an application for a U.S. passport and show proof of citizenship. After these documents are in order, apply by mail or in person.

  • Bankruptcy's Effect on Taxes

    When you file for bankruptcy, a separate taxable estate is created, and the bankruptcy trustee must file tax returns on its income. Your tax refund may be confiscated, and the processing of your return will be delayed. If you have old tax debts, the bankruptcy court can discharge them if they meet certain requirements.

  • What Else Should I Do After a Bankruptcy Discharge?

    A bankruptcy discharge occurs when your obligations under a particular bankruptcy program, such as Chapter 7, are completed. After the discharge, you have begun the journey to a new financial life. But this is only the first step in the rebuilding process. You must develop solid long-term financial habits. You should also decide whether you want to live a cash-based life, which might at first seem difficult, but can pay huge dividends over time. Start now doing what is necessary for a solid financial future.

  • What Is Considered a Lien After Chapter 7?

    A lien is an interest against an asset to secure payment. When you file a home equity loan, you take a lien against the equity in your home; thus your home equity lender can require your debt be repaid before your home is sold or the deed is transferred. Because liens are secured interests in your assets and not a debt, liens are not automatically included in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The three basic types of liens are consensual liens, judicial liens (also called nonconsensual) and tax liens.

  • Can You Remove a Judicial Lien After a Chapter 7 Discharge?

    A Chapter 7 bankruptcy allows you to liquidate your assets, use the proceeds to pay off your debts and discharge any nonexempt debts that remain. However, while a Chapter 7 bankruptcy can allow you to discharge debts, it does not remove any liens that may be in place on the discharged debt.

  • What is a Bankruptcy Discharge Letter?

    Bankruptcy provides a way for a debtor to eliminate all eligible debts by a court action, giving him a fresh financial start. The process of bankruptcy can take around four months with a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a court-supervised repayment plan, which can take from three to five years to complete. The discharge is issued at the end of the bankruptcy process by a letter.

  • What Happens If a Bankruptcy Is Not Confirmed?

    Under Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you are required to file a debt repayment plan with the bankruptcy court that is subject to confirmation by the bankruptcy court judge. This plan is developed with the help of the court-appointed bankruptcy trustee to take into account your income and established monthly expenses -- in other words, your ability to pay. Only your disposable income (income that does not go to pay your living expenses) can be used to pay your debts.

  • Does Bankruptcy Appear on a Background Check?

    If you wipe out your debts with bankruptcy, it won't go unnoticed. Bankruptcies are public information: Anyone who researches the bankruptcy court records can learn about it. It also goes on your credit report and stays there for 10 years. If an employer or anyone else performs a background check on you, it's possible the bankruptcy will turn up, depending on the kind of search.

  • Legal Judgements & Bankruptcy

    If you don't pay your bills as promised, the creditor can sue you. If a judge rules in the creditor's favor, the result is a legal judgment that demands repayment. Legal judgments can lead to wage garnishments and all types of bankruptcy potentially cure those problems. But not all legal judgments are eligible for relief under federal bankruptcy laws, warns the authors of, "How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy."

  • Bankruptcy & Court Ordered Judgements

    A court-ordered judgment demands that you pay money for financial obligations owed or recoup a person you harmed for his pain and suffering. Whether you request a partial debt repayment plan under Chapter 13 or debt forgiveness under Chapter 7, bankruptcy won't necessarily eliminate all of your outstanding court-ordered judgments. The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act, signed into law in 2005, declared some types of debts such as recent tax bills as "priority" claims.

  • Will I Get Discharged From Bankruptcy If I Owe Taxes?

    Bankruptcy allows you to wipe out a lot of debts, but not all of them. If you owe back payroll taxes, property taxes or Social Security tax, you can't get out of that debt by filing for bankruptcy. If the problem is back income taxes, you may be able to secure a discharge, if you meet the legal requirements.

  • What Happens If Your Bankruptcy Is Not Discharged?

    The end result of a typical bankruptcy case is the bankruptcy discharge, which removes the obligation of the debtor to pay his debts. If the bankruptcy court dismisses your case instead of granting you a discharge, you are not under the protection of the court and to a large degree things will be the same as they were before you filed bankruptcy. However, the act of just filing for bankruptcy can have long-lasting credit effects.

  • Will a Bankruptcy Wipe Out Judgements?

    A judgment is an unsecured debt, such as a credit card, and can be discharged, or eliminated, in just a few months through bankruptcy. However, judgments can be resolved in other ways that are less damaging to your credit. Negotiations with your lender can lead to mutual agreements for paying off judgments and allow you to avoid the stigma of bankruptcy.

  • What Is Not Discharged in Bankruptcy?

    Bankruptcy is a way out of debt, but not out of all your debts. Some kinds of debt can't be discharged (wiped out) in either Chapter 13 or Chapter 7, the main forms of personal bankruptcy. If your problem debts are ones that can't be erased, such as a tax bill from a year or two back, filing bankruptcy won't do you much good.

  • Can You Get Old Bankruptcy Records?

    Bankruptcy records, including files decades old, are available through public databases. The information is considered public record, with any member of the public allowed to access the files. Bankruptcy records contained a variety of information, including a complete list of a person's assets or debts at the time of a bankruptcy filing. Old bankruptcy records are sometimes sought as part of background checks for key positions in business or government.

  • Can I Get Financed to Buy a House If I Have Been Discharged for Bankruptcy?

    Filing for bankruptcy can provide you with major relief from your debts, but it can also make it difficult for you to obtain financing again in the future. After having your debts discharged through a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you may be interested in getting a mortgage. While you may have to look harder, some options do exist.

  • How Will I Know When My Bankruptcy Is Discharged?

    Bankruptcy is a legal process by which people with many debts can either eliminate or repay those debts with lower monthly payments. Companies and corporations can also file for bankruptcy to help restructure their debts or to go out of business. The Bankruptcy Code is the set of legal regulations that establish the process for bankruptcy filing, providing state courts with guidelines on how to conduct bankruptcy cases.

  • What Are the Sanctions If My Colorado Bankruptcy Is Not Discharged?

    A bankruptcy discharge essentially eliminates your debts. If you file for bankruptcy in the Colorado Bankruptcy Court and do not receive a discharge, it means that something was wrong with your case. Either you did not qualify to file bankruptcy, did not follow procedure or committed bankruptcy fraud. Regardless of the reason, the court will dismiss your case if you do not receive a discharge. Dismissal of a Colorado bankruptcy case carries both short-term and long-term ramifications.

  • How Long After a Chapter 7 Petition is Filed Is it Discharged?

    If you file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition your case will typically follow a predictable path towards discharge. Generally speaking, the bankruptcy court will grant you a discharge in a Chapter 7 case about three to four months after you file. However, certain variables such as irregularities in your petition or objections from other parties relevant to the case may hold up your discharge.

  • Dismissed Vs. Discharged Bankruptcy

    Bankruptcy is the best option for many who are in severe debt or financial difficulty. While the principle behind bankruptcy -- mainly debt forgiveness -- is easy to understand, bankruptcy and its outcomes can be complicated. There are rules regarding how individual debts are resolved and what outcomes of a bankruptcy are.

  • Can a Creditor Stop the Discharge of Your Bankruptcy?

    When you file for bankruptcy, the court issues an automatic stay, stopping your creditors from collecting your debts while the case is being settled. Your creditors have the opportunity to ask for relief from the stay or to object to their debts being discharged. Once your case is settled, the discharge order determines whether creditors can collect on any particular debt.

  • How to Get Discharged in Bankruptcy

    A bankruptcy discharge is a legal term signifying that you no longer have to pay your outstanding debts. In order to get a bankruptcy discharge, you must prove to the court that you are entitled to a discharge. You can demonstrate your entitlement to a discharge by submitting an accurate, detailed bankruptcy petition showing your complete financial situation. If you are unable to pay some or all of your debts, you can usually receive a bankruptcy discharge.

  • IRS & Debt Cancellation

    If you borrow money by taking out a loan or running up a balance on your credit cards, you don't pay income taxes on the proceeds because you are obligated to pay back the money. But the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) says that if the lender forgives all or part of your loan or credit card debt, the canceled amount may count as taxable income for you.

  • Can a Creditor Sue After a Bankruptcy Discharge?

    Filing bankruptcy gives you the chance to walk away from debt and make a clean start, though it can also negatively impact your credit rating for 10 years following the discharge. Once the paperwork is filed in bankruptcy court, the named creditors are supposed to receive notice of the filing and not contact you again. Creditors who are named as part of the bankruptcy cannot sue you after the bankruptcy has been discharged.

  • What Is a Default Judgment for a Credit Card?

    A default judgment for a credit card essentially is a legal court ruling as to the amount the cardholder must pay the party (usually a collection agency) bringing action against him. This determination is made without the consent of the cardholder who has failed to act legally, usually by not appearing in court in response to a summons.

  • Can a Creditor Refuse a Bankruptcy Discharge?

    Notice of a bankruptcy filing can spell trouble for a creditor. The completion of a bankruptcy allows a debtor to walk away from certain debts, and the creditor is prohibited from contacting the debtor in any way as an attempt to collect the discharged debt. A chapter 7 bankruptcy provides protection for the debtor on almost all debts incurred before filing bankruptcy. Though most bankruptcy filings spell a financial loss for creditors, there are exceptions.

  • Can Bankruptcy Discharge a Default Credit Card Judgment?

    Bankruptcy can discharge a judgment against you from a credit card that you have defaulted on in certain circumstances. Filing a chapter 7 bankruptcy will discharge unsecured debt and judgments, including any property liens and wage garnishments because of a judgment. If you file a chapter 13, you will make payments toward the judgment but will only pay the amount that the bankruptcy trustee orders you to pay and not the full amount.

  • Can You Discharge a Judgment for Assault in Bankruptcy?

    When a person is facing crushing debt, enough so that the amount of money he owes to creditors exceeds his assets and his near-term income, the individual may choose to declare personal bankruptcy. Bankruptcy affords the debtor a number of legal protections, including the right to be free of harassment from creditors. In addition, many of his debts may also be dismissed. However, he may still be obligated to pay some debts, such as judgments stemming from assault.

  • Can You File Bankruptcy If One Was Discharged in 2005?

    People who received a discharge in 2005 can file for bankruptcy again depending on certain factors. The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 set time limits for multiple discharges in bankruptcy to prevent abuse of the Bankruptcy Code. Consult with a bankruptcy attorney to review the dates and facts of the previous bankruptcy before filing a new case. Abiding by the Bankruptcy Code is necessary to receive another discharge.

  • Can a Car Be Repossessed Before a Bankruptcy Is Discharged?

    Auto loans present significant complexities when it comes to bankruptcy and the debt discharge. Auto loans are not as simple as mere promises to repay money, primarily because the loan includes a security interest in your car. The lender has the right under the loan agreement to repossess your car if you breach the agreement. Bankruptcy generally puts a hold on repossession, but does not prevent repossession permanently.

  • Bankruptcy & Income Taxes

    If you plan to file bankruptcy to eliminate your tax debt, you should make sure that the bankruptcy code allows for you to discharge that debt. You can usually only discharge tax debt that meets very specific requirements. If your debt does not qualify, the Internal Revenue Service will not pursue you for payment while your bankruptcy is active, but you will have to make payment arrangements at the end of your case.

  • What Happens If You Leave a Creditor Off of Bankruptcy?

    When you file for bankruptcy, it is necessary to list all of your creditors for the bankruptcy court. For whatever reason, you may have neglected to list a creditor during your bankruptcy proceedings. This is not the end of the world, but it does carry certain consequences. Whether you have already made this mistake or you are currently filing, it is important to know what happens if you leave a creditor off of a bankruptcy.

  • What If I Forget to List a Creditor in Bankruptcy?

    A debtor files his bankruptcy case with the bankruptcy court serving his district in his state of residence. Along with a bankruptcy petition, the debtor must file bankruptcy forms. These forms apprise the bankruptcy court of the real and personal property the debtor owns as well as the secured and unsecured creditors the debtor owes. The debtor should be careful to list all of his creditors so that they can be considered in his bankruptcy case.

  • The Effect of Bankruptcy on Income Taxes

    Bankruptcy and its relationship to income taxes must be considered in two ways: first, whether bankruptcy has any effect on your taxable income and, second, whether you can discharge or repay income taxes in bankruptcy.

  • Can a Creditor Contest a Bankruptcy?

    Creditors stand to lose all or a portion of what they are owed when borrowers file for bankruptcy. Many can and do challenge bankruptcy petitions. With Chapter 7 bankruptcies, they may seek to have the case dismissed or converted to a Chapter 13. In Chapter 13, they may challenge the payment plans proposed by the debtor. Creditors may also dispute the amount they are owed. There are numerous ways for creditors to challenge a bankruptcy. Having a good bankruptcy lawyer may help you avoid such challenges.

  • Are Judgments and Liens Erased During Bankruptcy?

    Bankruptcy is usually the final step in eliminating debt. Bankruptcy eliminates most forms of unsecured loans and relieves the obligation of the debtor to take responsibility for any deficits remaining from secured debt. Bankruptcy is the chance for many people to get a fresh start, when they use it correctly. If a person has moved too far in the debt collection process, they may have judgments or liens to deal with.

  • Will a Discharged Bankruptcy Affect My Background Check?

    Bankruptcy records are public records available at the nation's bankruptcy courts. Additionally, data brokers and credit reporting agencies regularly cull the lists of bankruptcy filings and discharges. Any potential employer that uses a credit report or a data broker such as Lexis Nexis will likely determine that you have filed for bankruptcy. If you are applying for a job in which you will handle lots of money or have significant legal authority, such as in law enforcement, a bankruptcy may affect your background check.

  • Are Federal Taxes Discharged in Bankruptcy?

    Bankruptcy does not all discharge all debts. In some situations, though, it could discharge some or all of your unpaid taxes. Whether discharge of taxes is available depends on what type of bankruptcy you file and other facts about your tax situation. If you've committed fraud or tax evasion, you will not be able to discharge these unpaid taxes in bankruptcy court.

  • Can Income Taxes Be Discharged in Bankruptcy?

    Most tax obligations survive the bankruptcy process, with the exception of federal personal income taxes. If you owe back taxes, bankruptcy can help you, but do check out alternatives, such as an "offer in compromise," before taking such a drastic step.

  • How to Remove Judgments From a Credit Report After Bankruptcy

    A Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharges your debt obligations, but while the original accounts that judgment liens are associated with are paid off, the liens are not automatically removed from your credit report. A lien is difficult to work around, as you won't be able to sell real property without removing the lien from your credit report. A judgment lien whose original account has been discharged through bankruptcy can be removed, but you need a lawyer to do so.

  • How to File Bankruptcy With Unsecured Debt

    Getting rid of unsecured debts is a major benefit of filing for bankruptcy. Unsecured debt is comprised of debts that are not attached to property. When debtors file for bankruptcy, they usually cannot afford to pay their monthly living expenses and secured loans while still paying off the extensive unsecured debts. Having to pay none or only a portion of the unsecured debts can help many debtors get the fresh start they need.

  • What to Do When I Left Out a Creditor in Bankruptcy in Virginia?

    When you file a bankruptcy petition in Virginia, you should fill it out as accurately and completely as possible. When you submit your petition, you must sign under penalty of perjury that the included information is accurate. The court does allow you to make adjustments known as amendments to your petition after you file if you know that something is inaccurate.

  • How long after you file bankruptcy is the case over?

    Bankruptcy is a federal procedure that follows a relatively consistent timeline for most standard cases. However, the timeline to completion for bankruptcy can vary based on the complexity of your case and the amount of assets in your estate that the court needs to process. In addition, the chapter you file bankruptcy under can dramatically affect the length of time until completion.

  • How to Add a Creditor to a Bankruptcy in Florida

    The creditor listing in your bankruptcy petition determines what debts are included in your discharge and are no longer legally enforceable. You may be faced with collection actions and garnishment after your discharge if you forget a creditor in your Florida bankruptcy petition. You must add additional creditors to your bankruptcy as soon as you become aware of the debt, and Florida laws require you and your attorney to swear to the validity of the added creditor and debt under penalty of perjury.

  • Are Judgements Discharged in Bankruptcy?

    The most common types of judgment are discharged in bankruptcy; however, several types of bank judgment are not discharged in bankruptcy. Generally, you must look to the basis for the judgment to determine whether it will be discharged in bankruptcy. The general rule is that all debts, including judgments, are discharged in bankruptcy unless the bankruptcy laws specifically state that certain debts, including judgments, are not discharged. The presumption, then, is that a judgment is discharged and the judgment creditor must prove that it falls within an exception to discharge.

  • How Long After You File Is Bankruptcy Discharged?

    The goal of any bankruptcy petition is a bankruptcy discharge, in which the legal responsibility to pay most if not all outstanding debts is eliminated. Once you file your bankruptcy petition, you will usually obtain your discharge in a timely manner unless a creditor or the United States Bankruptcy Trustee objects.

  • Can Unsecured Debt Be Discharged in Bankruptcy?

    Bankruptcy allows debtors to either liquidate their debts or create a reorganization plan to pay them over time, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Debtors who opt to liquidate their assets, however, may find that certain unsecured debts remain.

  • How to Buy a House With a Bankruptcy Discharge

    A buyer's credit history is a major factor when applying for a mortgage to buy a home. Many consumers believe it is difficult to purchase a home after a bankruptcy, but that is far from the truth.

  • How do I Get a Judgment Lien Removed After a Bankruptcy Discharge?

    Bankruptcy in the United States is a form of consumer protection. It allows customers to either restructure debts according to income (Chapter 13), or to wipe the slate clean and start over (Chapter 7). These are the two most common types of bankruptcy filings. If you just exited bankruptcy--either using Chapter 7 or Chapter 13--you should be able to remove judgment liens on your property or credit. However, you will need to retain a lawyer to help with this process.

  • How to Remove a Lien on a Property After Discharge of Bankruptcy

    Bankruptcy is the process of starting over. The most common filings are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, most, if not all, debt is discharged and the borrower starts over with a clean slate. Most assets are taken in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, a repayment plan is arranged after interest rates are reduced and balances are adjusted. Once either of these processes is complete, and you can prove a lien is no longer an obligation, you can remove that lien.

  • How to Obtain Bankruptcy Discharge Papers

    Once your bankruptcy case is finalized, you receive discharge papers that prove you no longer owe those included debts, according to the book "How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy." Keeping these papers is important as future lenders and employers might want to see this legal evidence. However, if you can't find your bankruptcy discharge papers you can usually obtain new copies by using one of several available methods; bankruptcy case papers are public information under federal laws so it shouldn't take too long to get new copies.

  • How to Find Bankruptcy Records

    You can now access bankruptcy and court records online if you want to find out more about a particular bankruptcy case. Most records can be found through the National Archives website. There may be a small charge to access the records that you want. Bankruptcy filings are in the public domain and therefore available for people to access.

  • How to Find the Date a Bankruptcy Was Discharged

    Knowing the date of a bankruptcy discharge is important for when applying for credit or completing certain employment applications. Companies extending credit and certain employers will require an applicant to provide the date of a bankruptcy discharge to help with data verification. Also, being able to tell potential landlords and companies the date of a bankruptcy discharge can help in certain situations when a bankruptcy discharge is being improperly reported to credit bureaus.

  • How to Buy a Car for Cash Before Bankruptcy Is Discharged?

    Bankruptcy provides relief from debt for businesses and individuals by giving bankruptcy filers a way to cope with debt while being protected from creditors. After a bankruptcy case has been filed, a court-appointed trustee carefully reviews the income and assets of the filer. During the bankruptcy process, the trustee and court will continue to monitor the filer's spending and income. Prior to the bankruptcy being discharged, it is important to work closely with your trustee and discuss all major purchases to avoid having your bankruptcy case dismissed.

  • How to Rent With a Discharged Bankruptcy

    A bankruptcy discharge erases your past debts and presents the opportunity to start over. Still, some creditors and landlords are leery to work with people who have a bankruptcy on their record, which can make renting or buying a home difficult. If looking to rent a property, there are ways to make a good impression and get the property. Consider methods to improve your chances of finding a rental after a discharge.

  • How to Obtain Bankruptcy Discharge Records

    Declaring bankruptcy releases a debtor from certain types of debts, discharging them so that the debtor no longer has personal liability for that debt. Once a bankruptcy discharge is approved, the debtor receives a copy of his bankruptcy discharge records, which he must keep in their personal files. If these original papers are lost, damaged, or destroyed, the debtor can request another copy by using the U.S. Federal Courts PACER system or by contacting the bankruptcy court in the jurisdiction where the bankruptcy was originally filed.

  • IRS Rules for Cancellation of Debt

    Cancellation of Debt is defined by the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) as money that is borrowed from a commercial lender and then later the lender forgives or cancels the debt. This “forgiven amount” may be taxable in certain situations. In these situations, the forgiven amount is considered income and must be reported to the IRS on a 1099-C form.

  • When Is a Debt Non-Dischargable in Bankruptcy?

    Bankruptcy provides a way for people who have been overwhelmed by debt to get a fresh start financially. Although many debts will be discharged during bankruptcy, some types will not be and must be repaid.

  • What Is the Difference Between Bankruptcy Dismissed & Discharged?

    Bankruptcy is a last recourse for people who can no longer pay their debts. It is a detailed process that if not followed precisely can create more problems for people seeking help.

  • Bankruptcy Discharge Information

    A discharge in a bankruptcy case is when a debtor is released from the legal liability of repaying some or all of his debt. This discharge is a permanent order, and it prohibits creditors involved in those discharged debts from collecting those funds. But the term discharge has several different meanings during the bankruptcy process.

  • What Are the Penalties If Bankruptcy Is Not Discharged?

    When you file a petition for bankruptcy protection, your creditors are no longer allowed to contact you by mail, phone or by any other method. After your bankruptcy filing has been completed, your debts are discharged, which means creditors must continue to comply by not contacting you for further collection activity. If your debts are not discharged, then creditors can pursue certain remedies related to your debt. Some debts cannot be discharged, such as child support or money owed to the Internal Revenue Service.

  • How to Prove a Bankruptcy Discharge

    There may be a time where you need to prove that your debt obligations were discharged in bankruptcy, but you cannot locate your copy of your bankruptcy discharge papers. Having a bankruptcy discharge may be required by mortgage lenders, some employers or other lenders. You may also need to prove your bankruptcy to a past creditor who may be trying to collect a legally uncollectable financial claim. Fortunately, there are several quick and fairly inexpensive ways to prove your Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy case was legally completed.

  • Comparing Consumer & Business Bankruptcies

    Consumer and business bankruptcy cases are similar with regard to the discharge of debt, yet they vary when it comes to re-organizational process. Learn about the complex and expensive process of filing bankruptcy as either a consumer or business with information from a lawyer in this free video on bankruptcy.

  • What Happens If a Creditor Disputes a Bankruptcy Discharge?

    When a debtor files for bankruptcy, the court will notify all affected creditors of the filing status. Along with the notification, the court invites creditors to contest the filing and present any evidence as to why their particular debt should be repaid outside the plan or why any additional properties held by the debtor should be forfeited. In most cases, the creditors must be prepared to present their case thirty days after the filing, though this timing is not mandatory and may be adjusted in many cases.

  • How to See If a Bankruptcy Has Been Discharged

    When a bankruptcy case is discharged, it means that the debts have legally been forgiven by the federal bankruptcy court. In your own case, either you or your attorney will attend a discharge hearing. The judge will approve or deny the bankruptcy, and you should receive discharge papers within 60 days. However, if you need to find out about someone else's bankruptcy and whether it has been discharged, there are several ways to do this.

  • How to Find Out Which Debts Were Discharged in a Bankruptcy Case

    There may come a time when you need to find out which debts were discharged in your bankruptcy case and your original paperwork is not available. Some collection agencies try to illegally collect on debts included in bankruptcy, and successfully fighting these claims requires knowledge on what actually was legally forgiven during your bankruptcy case. It may also be necessary to prove to potential lenders and even former spouses what was included in bankruptcy. Fortunately, there are several convenient ways to find out the specifics of your discharged debts.

  • What Is Bankruptcy Discharge?

    Bankruptcy discharge is the release of a debtor's personal liability for certain dischargeable debts, which are defined by the bankruptcy code. Learn more about dischargeable debts from a bankruptcy attorney with help from a certified civil mediator in this free video on bankruptcy and money management.

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