What is Chapter 7 bankruptcy?
A Chapter 7 bankruptcy, often referred to as a non-asset case, may offer a complete discharge of unsecured debt for individuals and businesses that qualify. The types of debt that are not dischargeable include debt owed to a government unit, domestic support obligation, criminal fines, debts involving fraud by you, restitution and student loans. Those obligations will most likely survive a bankruptcy filing and would still need to be paid. The value of your assets that can be exempted from bankruptcy litigation, and retained by you, will depend on the type of asset and its market value. In most jurisdictions, you are permitted to choose whether to use the state's exemptions or the federal exemptions to exclude the asset from the bankruptcy estate.
The Pros
- The Chapter 7 bankruptcy process is fast, compared to other types of bankruptcies. The debtor can expect his or her debts to be discharged in three to six months in most cases.
- One of the primary purposes of Chapter 7 bankruptcy is to assist individuals and businesses in relieving the amount of their debt obligation so that they can make a fresh start and rebuild.
- Because of the permitted exemptions in your state or through federal bankruptcy exemptions, you likely will be able to keep many of your assets, and — depending on the facts of your case — possibly all of your assets.
The Cons
- Due to the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act, which went into effect in 2005, only those earning less than the median income in their state and county qualify to file Chapter 7. Previously, anyone could discharge their debts through Chapter 7 bankruptcy, regardless of income.
- With other types of bankruptcies, the debtor is permitted to include attorneys’ fees in their repayment plan. However, with Chapter 7 bankruptcy, there is no repayment plan, and attorneys’ fees will generally be required up front before work will begin on your case.
- A Chapter 7 bankruptcy can appear on your credit report for eight (8) to ten (10) years although your ability to obtain new credit will most likely not be impacted during the full reporting period.
Who Is Eligible?
In order to be eligible to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the following criteria must be met:
- An individual, partnership, or corporation may qualify as a Chapter 7 debtor.
- The individual debtor must make less than the median income in the state and county in which he/she resides to pass a means test qualification step.
- The individual must not have had a previous bankruptcy case filed within the past eight (8) years or a prior case that was dismissed for lack of cooperation or bad faith.
- The debtor has received credit counseling from an approved credit counseling agency within 180 days prior to filing the bankruptcy.
If you feel like your quality of life is being consumed by debt and you are wondering if Chapter 7 bankruptcy is right for you, let us help you understand your legal options. The facts of each case are unique, but debt relief is an option for you. Contact Gravis Law online or by calling (509) 380-9102 for a free consultation.
DISCLOSURE We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.
Spokane, WA Bankruptcy Law Office
1309 W. Dean Ave.Suite 100
Spokane, WA 99201