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Can my bankrupt ex-husband get out of paying child support?

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Question:

A bankruptcy court just notified me that my ex-husband is filing for Chapter 7. I am one of his creditors, because: a) he owes back child support, including for medical bills; and b) he's not paying current child support. Will he be able to wiggle out of these debts?

Answer:

Bankruptcy can wipe out many types of debt, but child support is not one of them. Certain debts (referred to legally as "priority debts") are considered so important that they survive bankruptcy -- and child support is first on the priority debt list. This means that your ex will still owe you this money, despite filing for bankruptcy.