Indebtedness arising out of your time in college or graduate school can be some of the most difficult form of debt to discharge in bankruptcy – but it’s not impossible. Moreover, for debtors struggling under the weight of student loans, bankruptcy may also be an effective strategy for clearing out non-student debt, such as home loans, car loans, credit card debt, and short-term bank loans.
In general, bankruptcy courts require a debtor with student debt to demonstrate that the debt “will impose an undue hardship on you and your dependents,” in order to discharge the student debt in bankruptcy. As is often the case with the legal standards, every word in a rule is important, and the standard for the discharge of student debt is no different. Your student debt must be more than a hardship. It must be an undue hardship. Likewise, that hardship must not only impact you, but your spouse or children, your dependents, as well. Not surprisingly, many debtors carrying student debt face hardships, but few face the kind of particular hardship that the rule requires. Still, if you face hardship as a result of your student debt, it may be worthwhile to speak to the attorneys at Fears Nachawati.
Many debtors who carry student debt also have non-student debt, too. Even if your student debt is currently non-dischargeable, eliminating portions of your non-student may make it considerably easier for you to manage your personal finances. For some debtors, Chapter 13 restructuring of their personal balance sheet is best; for others, Chapter 7 liquidation – a completely fresh start – is preferable. Find out what course of action is best for you by talking to the professionals at Fears Nachawati today.
With years of experience and dedicated expertise, we can quickly assess your financial and legal needs and give you the direction and comfort you want and need.