A Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, often called a “liquidation” bankruptcy, is for people who will never be able to pay back their debts and need an entirely fresh start. A Chapter 7 discharge eliminates most unsecured debts entirely.

Debts discharged in Chapter 7

• Credit Cards
• Most lawsuits
• Deficiency balances on homes, cars, boats, etc. following foreclosure or repossession
• Car loans (creditor will retain lien)
• Mortgages (creditor will retain lien)

Debts not discharged by Chapter 7

• Most taxes (some older income taxes may be discharged)
• Debts incurred to pay nondischargeable taxes
• Domestic support obligations such as spousal maintenance or child support
• Most student loans
• Fines, penalties, forfeitures, or criminal restitution obligations
• Debts for personal injuries cause by the debtor operating a vehicle while intoxicated
• Debts not properly listed in the schedules
• Reaffirmed debts

The Chapter 7 Process

When a Chapter 7 case is filed, an automatic stay is imposed immediately preventing creditors from taking any action with respect to the Debtor or against the Debtor’s property. This automatic stay stops all lawsuits against the Debtor, all foreclosures and trustee sales with respect to the Debtor’s property, and prevents garnishment of the Debtor’s bank accounts and wages.

Soon after the Chapter 7 case is filed, the Court appoints a Trustee to examine the Debtor’s petition and schedules and determine whether there are any non-exempt assets that can be liquidated to pay the creditors. The Debtor must attend a short meeting with the Trustee where the Trustee will verify the Debtor’s identity and social security number and ask a series of required questions. This meeting is formally called the “Meeting of Creditors” or “341 Meeting.”

In most cases, the Trustee determines that there is no non-exempt property to liquidate. In such “no asset” cases the creditors receive no distribution and the Debtor does not have to turn over any property to the Trustee. If the Trustee determines that there are non-exempt assets, the Debtor can either turn them over to the Trustee or buy them back if they wish to retain them. When the Trustee has liquidated any non-exempt assets and paid the creditors their pro-rata distribution, the Trustee will be relieved from the case.

Sixty-one (61) days after the Meeting of Creditors, the Debtor will be eligible to receive a discharge of their debts. The discharge order is the final order of the Court that prohibits creditors from attempting to collect from the debtor.

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