Before you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, it's important to understand what will happen to your property. For many filers, Chapter 7 bankruptcy will wipe out most or all of their debts. But some debts won't be discharged (wiped) out in Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Below you'll find overview articles explaining what happens to your debts (both secured and unsecured), articles on specific types of debts, and a link to articles focused exclusively on secured debts.
Which Debts Are Discharged in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Learn about the debts that are discharged (wiped out) when you file for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy protection.
Nondischargeable Debts in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Although most debts are discharged (cancelled) in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, some cannot be. Learn about these nondischargeable debts.
Priority Debts in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Priority debts get paid first in Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Post-Petition Debts in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Usually post-petition debts are not discharged in bankruptcy. Find out which debts are post-petition and which are pre-petition.
Will Your Cosigner Be Liable for Debt if You File for Bankruptcy?
Find out if your cosigner or guarantor will be on the hook for your debt if you file for bankruptcy.
Can I Repay Debts That Were Discharged in Bankruptcy?
When your bankruptcy case is over, you can voluntarily pay off debts that your bankruptcy discharged.
Bankruptcy's Automatic Stay and Tax Debts
When you file for bankruptcy, the IRS must stop its collection of back taxes. Find out if the stay is temporary or permanent.
Are Government Fines Dischargeable in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Usually, government fines are not discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy. But there's one exception.
Discharging Cosigned Student Loans in Bankruptcy
If you are the cosigner on someone else’s student loan, in most courts you cannot discharge your obligation to repay that loan unless you meet bankruptcy’s undue hardship standard.
Discharging Social Security Overpayments in Bankruptcy
Unless you've committed fraud, you can discharge Social Security overpayments in bankruptcy.
Which Debts Are Discharged in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Learn about the debts that are discharged (wiped out) when you file for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy protection.
Credit Card Debt in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
In most cases, you can get rid of credit card debt in Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Eliminating Tax Debts in Bankruptcy
Most taxes can't be eliminated in bankruptcy, but some can.
Student Loan Debt in Bankruptcy
Most debtors will not be able to discharge (wipe out) student loan debt in Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Medical Debt in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
You can wipe out medical debt in Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Tax Debts in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
You can discharge recent income tax debt in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, but most other types of taxes are not dischargeable. Here are the details.
Nondischargeable Debts in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Although most debts are discharged (cancelled) in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, some cannot be. Learn about these nondischargeable debts.
Find out how to keep or surrender your timeshare in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, as well as what happens to timeshare mortgage debt and maintenance fees if you file for bankruptcy.
Child Support Debt in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 bankruptcy does not get rid of your obligation to pay ongoing child support and back child support.
Will bankruptcy wipe out unfiled and unpaid income taxes?
I did not file my personal state and federal income taxes for the years 2006 through 2010. The total amount I owe is over $5,000. I would like to know if and how bankruptcy may help me.
Do I have to surrender credit cards at my bankruptcy 341 hearing?
In general, you are not required to surrender your credit cards at your bankruptcy 341 hearing (also called the meeting of creditors). Depending on where you live, certain bankruptcy courts or trustees may still ask you to turn them over.
I paid my income taxes with my credit card. Can I discharge the credit card debt in bankruptcy?
If you use your credit card to pay nondischargeable tax debt, those charged on your credit card won't be wiped out in bankruptcy.
Can I Repay Debts That Were Discharged in Bankruptcy?
When your bankruptcy case is over, you can voluntarily pay off debts that your bankruptcy discharged.
Can I get rid of back child support in Chapter 7 bankruptcy?
You cannot discharge child support debt in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, but bankruptcy might put you in a better position to pay child support.
Do I have to surrender credit cards at my bankruptcy 341 hearing?
In general, you are not required to surrender your credit cards at your bankruptcy 341 hearing (also called the meeting of creditors). Depending on where you live, certain bankruptcy courts or trustees may still ask you to turn them over.
Post-Petition Debts in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
As a general rule, when you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, debts that were incurred before you filed (called pre-petition debts), are discharged and the debts that were incurred after you filed (called post-petition debts), are not.
Will Your Cosigner Be Liable for Debt if You File for Bankruptcy?
Find out if your cosigner or guarantor will be on the hook for your debt if you file for bankruptcy.
Will bankruptcy wipe out unfiled and unpaid income taxes?
I did not file my personal state and federal income taxes for the years 2006 through 2010. The total amount I owe is over $5,000. I would like to know if and how bankruptcy may help me.
Using Your Credit Cards for Luxury Purchases Before Bankruptcy
If you use your credit card to buy luxury goods before you file bankruptcy, you run the risk of having to repay the debt.
When Will the Trustee Abandon Property in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
If the trustee abandons your property Chapter 7 bankruptcy , you get to keep it. Find out more.
Are Government Fines Dischargeable in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Usually, government fines are not discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy. But there's one exception.
Student Loan Debt in Bankruptcy
Most debtors will not be able to discharge (wipe out) student loan debt in Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Does Bankruptcy Stop the Collection of Student Loans?
Bankruptcy's automatic stay stops student loan collection during your bankruptcy, including wage garnishment and bank account attachment.
Discharging Cosigned Student Loans in Bankruptcy
If you are the cosigner on someone else’s student loan, in most courts you cannot discharge your obligation to repay that loan unless you meet bankruptcy’s undue hardship standard.
Learn about secured debts and how creditors can collect them.
Surrendering Secured Property in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, if you don’t want to keep an item of property that serves as collateral for a secured debt, you can “surrender" it.
Secured Debts in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: An Overview
Learn about secured debts, what happens to them in bankruptcy, and your options for keeping or giving up the property that serves as collateral for secured debts.
Redeeming Secured Property in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
You might be able to keep financed personal property in Chapter 7 by paying the creditor its value in one lump sum.
Reaffirming Secured Debt in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you can keep property secured by collateral (such as your car) by reaffirming the debt.