What Debts are Not Discharged in Bankruptcy in Arizona?
If you believe what you read online, then filing a chapter 7 bankruptcy is easy. Just fill out a few forms and send them to the court. Once you pay your filing fee, your bankruptcy will take care of itself. In the real world, it’s not like this. If you were the kind of person who was good at filling out forms and handling paperwork, you probably wouldn’t be in the position you’re in now. While there’s nothing wrong with using a chapter 7 bankruptcy to get out of debt, it’s not a good idea to try to do this on your own. You should meet with a seasoned Arizona chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer sooner rather than later. There are certain debts that aren’t dischargeable in bankruptcy. The last thing you want to do is find this out when it’s too late.
You Cannot Include Past Due Alimony or Child Support in Chapter 7
If you owe your ex-spouse past due alimony, the court isn’t going to let you include it in your bankruptcy. You’re not allowed to get out of a court-ordered obligation that easily. The same thing applies to any past due child support you owe. That money is meant to take care of your kids. It’s not in your children’s best interests to allow you to have your past-due support erased by the court.
The Trustee is Not Going to Let You Include Taxes or Tax Liens
It doesn’t matter how much or how little debt you have. The trustee is not going to include taxes or a tax lien in your bankruptcy. These debts must be paid back. All state, local and federal taxes will get paid back. If you die and still owe taxes, they’ll be paid out of your estate. The old saying about how death and taxes are the only two guarantees in life is true.
If You Owe Criminal Restitution, it Won’t Be Discharged in Bankruptcy
If you’ve been charged with a crime and been ordered to pay criminal restitution, it won’t be discharged in your chapter 7 bankruptcy. It doesn’t matter what your Arizona chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer says or does. The court will not erase these debts. You’ll have to continue to pay these until the balance is zero.
Your Student Loans Can’t Be Wiped Out with a Bankruptcy Filing
One thing our clients hate to hear is that their student loans won’t be forgiven in bankruptcy. Your Arizona chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer can try to present your hardship to the court. However, very rarely will a bankruptcy judge ever discharge student loan debt.
Your Arizona Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lawyer Can Answer All Your Questions
Trying to handle your bankruptcy on your own can be a nightmare. Of course, there are websites out there that promise to guide you through the process. Even the U.S. Bankruptcy Court has a self-help guide on their website. However, once you start the process, you’ll understand why so many people hire an Arizona chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer. If you make one mistake on your bankruptcy petition, you can find yourself right back in debt. Rather than risk this happening, it’s a good idea to at least meet with an experienced Arizona chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer before you get started.
Call our office and set up a date and time that works for you. Sit down and meet with a seasoned Arizona chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer before you file any paperwork with the court. With so much at stake, it’s definitely worth the time, money and attention.
