MenuThe most important aspect of filing a second bankruptcy is generally whether or not a discharge can be obtained. If no discharge is available due to timing, the bankruptcy will not be successful in eliminating personal liability on debts. The frequency with which a debtor can obtain bankruptcy discharges is limited by statute.
Discharge
The discharge is an order of the bankruptcy court ending personal liability on certain debts. The discharge is the instrument that erases debt and provides a fresh start to individual debtors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our frequently asked questions also address Discharge:
What kinds of debts are non-dischargeable in bankruptcy?
In bankruptcy, a bankruptcy discharge ends a debtor's personal liability on all debts except those otherwise made non-dischargeable. This post contains a list of significant categories of non-dischargeable debt.
Can I file Chapter 13 Bankruptcy after a recent Chapter 7?
Occasionally, chapter 13 bankruptcy cases are filed by individuals who recently filed chapter 7 and obtained a chapter 7 discharge. As I noted in a post on filing second bankruptcy cases, a discharge in the chapter 13 case is unavailable unless 4 years have passed since the chapter 7 case was filed. However, chapter 13 can still be used adjust payment schedules, even without a discharge.
When does the automatic stay end?
The automatic stay begins immediately upon the filing a of a voluntary bankruptcy case. For the most part, it ends on dismissal, discharge, denial of discharge, or closing of the case.
What is a discharge?
A bankruptcy discharge is granted by the bankruptcy court and serves as a permanent injunction against collecting certain past debts from the debtor personally. The discharge is the legal vehicle that grants the debtor a fresh start and wipes out past debts. Having a discharge granted is a goal of most bankruptcy filings.
Can I repay a debt after bankruptcy?
Generally yes, a person is free to pay back a debt voluntarily after bankruptcy.
After filing bankruptcy, what can be done about a sudden new debt?
For most people, filing bankruptcy starts the journey of moving beyond problem debts. However in rare cases, an unexpected debt suddenly arises in the weeks or months after filing bankruptcy. Common examples might be an unanticipated medical expense or liability from an accident.
What is a Chapter 13 Hardship Discharge?
In the ordinary case, a chapter 13 discharge (which eliminates personal liability on debts) is granted shortly after the completion of plan payments. A
What does it mean to reopen a Bankruptcy Case?
To answer this question, it is first helpful to describe what it means for a bankruptcy case to be closed or open.
Can a Discharge be Revoked?
There are certain very particular reasons why a bankruptcy discharge can be revoked.
Blog Posts
We have discussed Discharge in the following posts on our bankruptcy blog:
Chapter 7 Discharge & Chapter 13 Discharge - What's the Difference?
Feb 2, 2012
Once upon a time, the discharge available to debtors at the conclusion of a chapter 13 bankruptcy plan was known as a "super-discharge" as it ended personal liability on significantly more debts that its counterpart in chapter 7. Today, after the 2005 bankruptcy law (BAPCPA), the chapter 13 discharge isn't so super anymore. Nevertheless, it is not identical to the chapter 7 discharge in scope. This post considers what is dischargeable in chapter 13 bankruptcy, and highlights some notable differences with chapter 7.
