Santa Clarita & San Fernando Bankruptcy Attorney

Discharging Debt through Bankruptcy

The discharge at the successful completion of any bankruptcy case will release a debtor from personal liability for the debt that was discharged. This means that the debtor is not legally required to pay the debt and cannot be held accountable. Creditors and debt collectors cannot initiate or continue any collection efforts or lawsuits against the debtor for that debt. The type and amount of debt that can be discharged will vary depending on whether a debtor files under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Some debt cannot be discharged, so it is important to discuss your unique situation with a bankruptcy lawyer.

With a Santa Clarita or San Fernando bankruptcy attorney from Cutter & Lax to review your financial situation and talk to you about how bankruptcy will affect your debt, you can get the information you need to make the right choices about filing. We offer a complimentary consultation to discuss your particular case and how we can help you.

When Will My Debt Be Discharged?
For a Chapter 7 filing, you can expect for debt to be discharged within 4 to 6 months of filing your bankruptcy petition. For a Chapter 13 case, the discharge will occur after you complete your repayment plan, which may last 3 to 5 years.

What Type of Debt Can I Discharge?
Generally, you are only able to address unsecured debt through bankruptcy. This includes credit card debt, utility bills, medical bills, dental bills, personal loans and phone bills. Debt that cannot be addressed typically includes student loans, taxes, child support and spousal support. However, there are exceptions depending on the type and age of tax debt. You may also be able to pay secured debt through your Chapter 13 repayment plan.

Interested in discharging debt? Contact a San Fernando or Santa Clarita Bankruptcy Lawyer at our law firm to see how we can help.