Chapter 7 bankruptcy helps individuals eliminate certain debts and start fresh. However, you need to understand how it affects ongoing obligations like child support and alimony. Chapter 7 bankruptcy will not discharge child support or alimony, as courts consider these family-related obligations to be priority debts.
Child support in Chapter 7 bankruptcy
If you fall behind on child support payments, Chapter 7 bankruptcy will not erase the arrears. The court considers child support a priority obligation, meaning you must continue paying it even after filing for bankruptcy. Even if you discharge other unsecured debts, you still need to catch up on missed child support payments. Additionally, you will need to continue making future child support payments as ordered, regardless of your bankruptcy status.
Alimony in Chapter 7 bankruptcy
The same applies to alimony. If you owe alimony, Chapter 7 bankruptcy does not eliminate that obligation. You must keep making alimony payments even after completing the bankruptcy process. Courts view alimony as an essential part of family financial support, so you remain responsible for it. Just like child support, bankruptcy does not affect future alimony payments. Missing alimony payments can lead to legal consequences.
Impact on the discharge of other debts
While Chapter 7 bankruptcy protects child support and alimony, it can still relieve you of other types of debts, such as credit card balances, medical bills, and personal loans. This relief can free up financial resources, allowing you to meet your child support and alimony obligations more easily. By discharging unsecured debts, you might find it easier to stay current with these family-related payments.
Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy can give you a fresh financial start, but you must still meet family law obligations like child support and alimony. These debts remain intact despite the bankruptcy discharge.
