Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: Which debts are dischargeable and which are not?

You will no longer be responsible for repaying certain debts that are discharged in a chapter 7 bankruptcy.  They include:

• Credit card debts;
• Judgments from lawsuits;
• Medical bills;
• Obligations under leases and contracts;
• Debts arising from automobile accidents;
• Personal loans and promissory notes.

However, some debts that are not dischargeable in a chapter 7 bankruptcy include:

• Domestic support obligations such as child support or alimony;
• Fines, penalties, or restitution imposed by a government agent to punish you for violating a law;
• Certain tax debts;
• If you kill or injure someone while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, any debts resulting from the accident are not dischargeable;
• Condominium, cooperative, and homeowners’ association fees that become due after you file for chapter 7 bankruptcy will not be discharged, while fees you owed prior to filing will be discharged;
• Debts for loans from a retirement plan.