Lien avoidance is a powerful and important tool available in Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If you have liens recorded against your property, you may be able to get rid of them through lien avoidance. However, you can only "avoid" certain types of liens, and those liens must meet further criteria.
This topic explains what liens are, breaks them down by type, and discusses the various types of liens you can get rid of in Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
A judgment lien is created when someone wins a lawsuit against you and records the judgment against your property.
Do liens go away in Chapter 7? See how to avoid judgment liens, redeem or reaffirm secured debts, and protect exempt property from creditors.
You may be able to get avoid (get rid of) judgment liens in Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Surrendering secured property in Chapter 7 bankruptcy? Learn the process, pros, cons, and how to handle various secured debts like mortgages and car loans.
You might be able to keep financed personal property in Chapter 7 by paying the creditor its value in one lump sum, a process known as Chapter 7 redemption. Often, people find they pay significantly less than what they owe.
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