What Debts Cannot be Discharged?

Life under heavy debt can be extremely challenging. With the bills piling up and the phone ringing off the hook with debt collectors, it is easy to lose track of many of your most essential needs. Filing for bankruptcy protection may provide the most effective way for you to safely repay your debts. It can even discharge some of your debts. In creating a bankruptcy plan, it is important to know which debts can and cannot be discharged.

In general, the only debts that can be discharged are those that are not secured: in other words, debts where there is nothing specifically at stake if you do not repay your debts. For example, a mortgage cannot be discharged because the bank is legally able to take the house from you if you fail to repay your debt. That certainly does not mean that all unsecured debts can be discharged, however.

Most student loans cannot be discharged. Debts to the government-such as unpaid taxes, punitive damages, and fines-also cannot be discharged, nor can unpaid child support or alimony. Unpaid child support in particular can land you in hot water: although you may be able to arrange a different payment plan after filing for bankruptcy, failing to repay child support can result in a prison sentence and heavy fines.

Contact Us

If you are struggling with heavy debt, meeting your everyday needs can be a challenge. Rather than struggling with heavy debt for the rest of your life, filing for bankruptcy provides you with legal protections that can help you repay your debts and repair your finances. To learn more, discuss your case with the compassionate Boston bankruptcy lawyers of Joshua Spirn & Associates today by calling 800-975-5346.