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Alimony and Support Claims

Filing for bankruptcy does not suspend or stop the obligation to pay child support or alimony. Whether an obligation imposed by a divorce decree is dischargeable depends on whether it is characterized as support or as a property settlement. In many instances, obligations for property settlement can be discharged in bankruptcy, while obligations for child support and alimony cannot be discharged in bankruptcy. Bankruptcy law, not state law, determines whether an obligation is a support obligation or a property settlement obligation.

Bankruptcy Discharge

Bankruptcy is a process created by federal law that provides relief for debtors, who can either eliminate their debts or repay their debts. Chapter 7 "liquidation" is the process by which debtors wipe out or "discharge" many of their debts.

Disposable Income in Chapter 12

If a trustee or a holder of an unsecured claim objects to the plan, the court cannot approve the plan unless the plan provides that all of the debtor's projected disposable income to be received during the plan will be applied to make payments under the plan. It is significant to understand that an objection by the mentioned parties must be made for the court to consider this requirement.

Dischargeable Debts

Dischargeable debts are those debts that can be discharged through bankruptcy proceedings. A debtor is no longer personally liable to pay for dischargeable debts after the bankruptcy proceedings are concluded.

Joint and Consolidated Cases

A husband and wife can file a joint case under Chapter 7, 11, 12 or 13. Both names are on the same petition and schedules, and only one filing fee is due. Only spouses are allowed to file a joint petition. Former spouses, partners or other relatives do not qualify for a joint petition. Whether a husband and a wife should file a bankruptcy together depends on whether both are liable on the debts involved. Filing bankruptcy generally only protects the person who filed the bankruptcy. Married couples who are jointly liable on most debts should file a joint bankruptcy.