Credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, and other unsecured debts are the most common. Many people file mainly to clear these balances.
Helping individuals obtain financial freedom through bankruptcy in
Lake, Porter, LaPorte, St. Joseph, Newton, Jasper,
Elkhart, Tippecanoe & Surrounding Counties.
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What Debts Are Forgiven Through Bankruptcy
What Debts Are Forgiven Through Bankruptcy?
When you file for bankruptcy, there are certain debts that you can completely discharge. That means you will never have to pay those debts off. It also means that your creditors can no longer bother you about collecting on those debts. However, for you to be able to eliminate a debt, it must be a dischargeable debt. In other words, not all kinds of debt can be discharged when you file for bankruptcy. At Whitten & Whitten, we will help you understand which debts can and can’t be discharged.
Who We Help
People come to us at all stages of financial stress. No matter your needs, our team at Whitten & Whitten is experienced and ready to help. We can help you face your financial concerns head-on, especially if:
- You need to understand which debts may be discharged and which debts may survive your case.
- You want help understanding the difference between bankruptcy, settlement, consolidation, repayment plans, Chapter 7, and Chapter 13.
- You worry that student loans, support, taxes, fines, restitution, or fraud-related debts may not be handled like ordinary unsecured debt.
- You need to know what bankruptcy may address and what may remain, since some debts are treated differently than others.
Wherever you land on that list, we can explain your options and help you decide what fits your life. Reach out today to discuss your options and see how you can get back on track with your financial health.
Dischargeable Debts In Bankruptcy
The good news is that several common types of debt are usually considered dischargeable when people file for bankruptcy.
- Typical dischargeable debts include:
- Medical bills
- Credit card bills
- Repossessed vehicle deficiencies
- Foreclosed homes deficiencies
- Judgments
These types of debts can be discharged, which means you will not be responsible for paying them off when you file for bankruptcy. It also means your creditors cannot continue trying to collect on them.
Non-Dischargeable Debts In Bankruptcy
Certain debts are still your responsibility to pay, even if you file for bankruptcy. These are non-dischargeable debts, and you must pay them off despite choosing bankruptcy.
- Student loans
- Child support and spousal support
- The majority of tax debts
- Debt that the debtor does not list
- Any criminal fines or restitution
Filing for bankruptcy can provide significant relief from overwhelming debts, but it is essential to understand which obligations can and cannot be discharged during the process. By being informed about non-dischargeable debts, you can better prepare for your financial recovery and take steps to rebuild your financial stability after bankruptcy.
Secured Debt With
Chapter 7 & Chapter 13
Meanwhile, if you have any secured debt, like a loan for a vehicle, there are two options. If you choose Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, you must create a payment plan to pay off the balance owed or even just the vehicle’s fair market value. In either case, you must only pay 5.25% interest on the vehicle debt. If you choose Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, you can simply return the vehicle to your lender and be free of making any more payments. You could also keep the car by making one lump-sum payment to the lender for the vehicle’s fair market value in situations where the amount owed is substantially more than the car is worth.
Why Choose Us
Choosing who handles your bankruptcy is a personal decision. You want someone who treats you with respect and knows the local courts. At Whitten & Whitten, we’re proud to provide Northwest Indiana residents with peace of mind. We offer:
- Straight answers, no judgment. Financial trouble happens to good people for all kinds of reasons. We listen first and never talk down to you.
- Deep knowledge of bankruptcy law in Indiana. We know how the courts and trustees in our area work, which helps your case run smoothly.
- Honest expectations. We tell you upfront which debts we expect to clear and which ones may stay. No false promises.
- Personal attention. You work with people who know your name and your case, not a call center.
We are dedicated to providing clear guidance, personalized support, and effective solutions to help you achieve financial relief. With a focus on transparency and genuine care, our team is here to stand by your side every step of the way, ensuring you move forward with confidence toward a brighter financial future.
Contact Us for More Help With Bankruptcy
At Whitten & Whitten, we can help you determine which debt you can target in bankruptcy and which type of bankruptcy would benefit you the most. Every situation is different, and we know that each person has their own unique set of circumstances. We carefully look at each case we deal with and determine the path best for that particular case. You can trust our experienced bankruptcy team with your bankruptcy process. Please get in touch with us at your earliest convenience to schedule a meeting to discuss your case more in-depth. Call us today or contact us online.
FAQs About Debt Discharges in Indiana
What Our Clients Say!
googleThis law firm is one of the best in Northwest Indiana that I had the privilege of doing business with. This firm was very helpful, supportive, and understanding in every way. They even helped finalize a couple of my family member’s cases as well. If you ever run into any financial issues, I strongly advise…
Avis R.
Angie, the receptionist, is amazing!! Amanda is wonderful, very helpful... Insightful, and knows what she's doing!! Thank you for making this process so smooth and easy!
Jen W.
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We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the bankruptcy code. This information is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Past results and testimonials are not a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of the outcome of your case, and should not be construed as such. Past results cannot guarantee future performance. Any result in a single case is not meant to create an expectation of similar results in future matters because each case involves many different factors, therefore, results will differ on a case-by-case basis. By providing contact information, users acknowledge and give explicit consent to be contacted via the methods of communication provided, including SMS. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. Reply STOP to opt out.
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