Some types of debts cannot be discharged in bankruptcy. These include income tax, child support and student loans. Then there are other types of debts that should be dischargeable in bankruptcy, but become non-dischargeable because of how the debt was incurred. For example, debtors that obtain money, property, or services through fraud remain liable for […]
BANKRUPTCY: CREDIT COUNSELING AND DEBTOR EDUCATION
The Bankruptcy Code requires that all individuals filing bankruptcy receive credit counseling before their case is filed. Credit counseling must be provided by an agency approved by the Department of Justice’s U.S. Trustee Program. These agencies will charge a fee of around $50. Upon completion of the course, debtors receive a certificate of completion. This […]
BANKRUPTCY: CROSS-COLLATERALIZATION AND CREDIT UNIONS
In bankruptcy, debtors often wish to discharge their unsecured debt but keep their secured collateral. This is generally allowed in bankruptcy, but a practice commonly employed by credit unions makes this process more complicated and often more expensive. The reason is because credit unions often include cross-collateralization clauses in their loan documents. Cross-collateralization means that […]
BANKRUPTCY:DISCLOSE YOUR CAUSE OF ACTION OR LOSE YOUR RIGHT TO SUE
When a person files bankruptcy, they are required to list all of their assets in their bankruptcy schedules. In bankruptcy, an asset is anything you own, but it also includes anything you may acquire contingent upon some event happening. For example, if you are in a car wreck, you may acquire a cause of action, […]
BANKRUPTCY: EXEMPTION FROM THE CREDIT COUNSELING REQUIREMENT
Debtors wishing to file bankruptcy are required to successfully complete a credit counseling course during the 180 days prior to filing bankruptcy. However, debtors that can show that they are incapacitated due to mental or physical disability may be exempt from this requirement. Under Sec. 109(h)(4) of the Bankruptcy Code, a debtor may be excused […]