| Alimony and Support Claims |
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| 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. More... |
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| Creditor Attempts to Collect Discharged Debt |
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| A debt no longer exists after it is discharged in bankruptcy. The court enters an order prohibiting the debtor's creditors from later attempting to collect any discharged debt from the debtor. More... |
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| Voluntary and Involuntary Bankruptcy |
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| A voluntary case is commenced by filing a petition with the bankruptcy court. The commencement of a voluntary case constitutes an order for relief under the relevant chapter. An involuntary case is commenced by filing a petition with the bankruptcy court under Chapter 7 or 11. More... |
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| Contested Matters |
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| Whenever there is an actual dispute, other than an adversary proceeding, before the bankruptcy court, the litigation to resolve that dispute is a contested matter. For example, the filing of an objection to a proof of claim, to a claim of exemption, or to a disclosure statement creates a dispute that is a contested matter. Even when an objection is not formally required, there may be a dispute. If a party in interest opposes the amount of compensation sought by a professional, there is a dispute that is a contested matter. More... |
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| Treatment of Property Settlement Claims |
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| Certain property settlements are not dischargeable in a Chapter 7, 11 or 12 bankruptcy case, but remain dischargeable in Chapter 13 cases. Support, alimony or maintenance that is incurred by the debtor in the course of a divorce or separation or in connection with a separation agreement, divorce decree or other order of a court are generally not dischargeable. More... |
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