Settlement FAQs

is the bankruptcy discharge settlement real

by Hailie Russel Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Whether a settlement is the property of the bankruptcy estate will depend on the date of injury. If your claim (injury or property damage) arose before your bankruptcy, any settlement you receive after you file your case will usually be the property of the bankruptcy estate.

Full Answer

What is a bankruptcy discharge?

A bankruptcy discharge releases the debtor from personal liability for certain specified types of debts. In other words, the debtor is no longer legally required to pay any debts that are discharged.

Will bankruptcy discharge lawsuit judgments?

Bankruptcy Will Discharge Most Lawsuit Judgments. The majority of lawsuit judgments against bankruptcy debtors involve unpaid debts. If you don’t pay your credit cards, medical bills, or other personal loans, the lender or creditor can bring a breach of contract lawsuit against you. If your lender obtains a judgment,...

Are property settlement agreements dischargeable in bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy courts can scrutinize property settlement agreements to discern the intent of the parties regardless of the language used. Working through the dischargeability of a property settlement agreement is one of the trickier issues in bankruptcy, and it is advised that you seek the advice of a bankruptcy litigation lawyer.

What debts are discharged in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

Debts that can be discharged and the amount of the discharge all depend on whether you file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the trustee divides your nonexempt assets among your creditors, and any remaining debt will be discharged. In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you enter a repayment plan that repays all or most of your debt.

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Does Chapter 7 wipe out debt completely?

It is a liquidation bankruptcy, which means that the court sells all your assets for cash and then pays your creditors. You can keep assets that are exempt from sale either under federal law or the law of your home state. Chapter 7 bankruptcy can wipe out most of your debts.

What happens after bankruptcy discharged?

Following a bankruptcy discharge, debt collectors and lenders can no longer attempt to collect the discharged debts. That means no more calls from collectors and no more letters in the mail, as you are no longer personally liable for the debt. A bankruptcy discharge doesn't necessarily apply to all of the debt you owe.

How long does bankruptcy take to settle?

The average Chapter 7 bankruptcy case takes about four to six months to complete. Most Chapter 7 cases take from four to six months to complete.

What does Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharged mean on credit report?

The Chapter 7 Discharge. A discharge releases individual debtors from personal liability for most debts and prevents the creditors owed those debts from taking any collection actions against the debtor.

How long after a bankruptcy discharge is the case closed?

For most filers, a Chapter 7 case will end when you receive your discharge—the order that forgives qualified debt—about four to six months after filing the bankruptcy paperwork. Although most cases close after that, your case might remain open longer if you have property that you can't protect (nonexempt assets).

How long does a discharged bankruptcy stay on your credit report?

The bankruptcy public record is deleted from the credit report either seven years or 10 years from the filing date of the bankruptcy, depending on the chapter you filed. Chapter 13 bankruptcy is deleted seven years from the filing date because it requires at least a partial repayment of the debts you owe.

Can Chapter 7 be removed from credit before 10 years?

In most cases, no: You cannot remove a bankruptcy from your credit report. Remember, it will be removed automatically after seven or 10 years, depending on the type of bankruptcy you filed. In the rare case that the bankruptcy was reported in error, you can get it removed.

What is the fastest bankruptcy?

Chapter 7 bankruptcyChapter 7 bankruptcy is the fastest and most common form of bankruptcy. Chapter 7 bankruptcy erases most unsecured debts, that is, debts without collateral, like medical bills, credit card debt and personal loans.

How many times can you file bankruptcy?

Legally speaking, a person can file for bankruptcies as many times as they want. However, the process becomes more restrictive. With a second bankruptcy, you will not qualify for an automatic bankruptcy discharge in nine months.

What does bankruptcy discharged mean on a credit report?

What is a discharge in bankruptcy? A bankruptcy discharge releases the debtor from personal liability for certain specified types of debts. In other words, the debtor is no longer legally required to pay any debts that are discharged.

What is the average credit score after Chapter 7?

500 to 550 credit scoreThe average debtor will have a 500 to 550 credit score. It may be lower if the debtor already had a bad score before filing. In summary, your credit score won't be that great after Chapter 7.

How do I get bankruptcy discharge off my credit report?

There are only two ways to get a bankruptcy removed from your credit report: file a dispute with the credit bureaus or wait for the bankruptcy to leave the report after seven to 10 years....How to rebuild your credit after bankruptcyUse a secured credit card. ... Get a credit builder loan. ... Become an authorized user.

How will I know when my bankruptcy is discharged?

The bankruptcy is reported in the public records section of your credit report. Both the bankruptcy and the accounts included in the bankruptcy should indicate they are discharged once the bankruptcy has been completed. To verify this, the first step is to get a copy of your personal credit report.

Can you get loans after bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy can severely damage your credit. But if you need financing, you may still be able to get a personal loan after bankruptcy. Your ability to qualify depends on whether you filed for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy proceedings and how your credit score is affected.

Can creditors contact you after bankruptcy?

What is an Automatic Stay. Once you file for bankruptcy, an automatic stay goes into effect. An automatic stay specifically states that creditors cannot contact you to collect debts after you've filed for bankruptcy. It protects you from harassing phone calls, emails, and letters.

What is Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

All consumers that received an order or discharge of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and who had a credit report issued by a defendant that contained debts, accounts, judgments, or other obligations discharged in bankruptcy that were not reported as discharged in bankruptcy.

What do plaintiffs want in bankruptcy?

Plaintiffs want injunctive relief and statutory and punitive damages.

What to do if you spot inaccuracies on your credit report?

The normal thing to do if you spot inaccuracies in your credit report is to dispute it. Once you do that the Fair Credit Reporting Act requires that those inaccuracies in your credit report should be cleaned up. Not all inaccuracies can be removed by the credit reporting agencies. The things that can be removed include:

Where was the Hernandez vs Experian case filed?

al. v. Experian Information Solutions Inc. et al. class action lawsuit was brought in the United States Court for the Central District of California.

Did the defendants report debt discharged in bankruptcy?

They broke these laws by allegedly not following the required procedures for accurately reporting debts discharged in bankruptcy, and failing to investigate disputes from consumers about this. According to the plaintiffs, defendants were allegedly reporting those kinds of debts as “in collection” or “due and owing” on their credit reports. The plaintiffs argue that the defendants should have instead reported those debts as “included in bankruptcy”. The plaintiffs allege that the defendants failed to properly investigate the matter even after the plaintiffs disputed such reporting.

What is discharge in bankruptcy?

A bankruptcy discharge is a court order issued at the end of a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy proceeding. The order relieves the debtor from any obligation to repay the debts that have been discharged. Creditors are then prohibited from taking any further actions to collect on these debts.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Bankruptcy Discharge?

Discharge for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy usually occurs about four months after the date you file your bankruptcy petition. 14  The discharge occurs after all the payments under the repayment plan have been made in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, typically three to five years. 5 

What are the disadvantages of bankruptcy discharge?

Disadvantages of a Bankruptcy Discharge. Your bankruptcy protection doesn't extend to joint account holders or cosigners on any of your debt obligations. Your personal liability for the debt is removed when you receive your bankruptcy discharge, but your cosigner remains on the hook for the entire balance of the debt.

What are the types of debts that can't be discharged in bankruptcy?

Section 523 (a) of the Bankruptcy Code describes the types of debt that can't be discharged in Chapter 7 proceedings, including: 1 Domestic obligations such child support, alimony, and debts owed under a marriage settlement agreement 2 Certain fines, penalties, and restitution resulting from criminal activities 3 Certain taxes, including fraudulent income taxes, property taxes that came due within the previous year, and business taxes 4 Court costs 5 Debts associated with a DUI violation 6 Condo or other homeowners’ association fees that were imposed after you filed bankruptcy 7 Retirement plan loans 8 Debts that weren't discharged in a previous bankruptcy 9 Debts you failed to list on your bankruptcy petition 6  7 

What to do with a copy of your bankruptcy discharge?

Keep a copy of your order of discharge along with all your other bankruptcy paperwork. You can use a copy of these papers to correct credit report issues or to deal with creditors who try to collect from you after the bankruptcy discharge.

What happens to a discharged debt?

A discharged debt literally goes away. It's no longer collectible. The creditor must write it off. Debts that are likely to be discharged in a bankruptcy proceeding include credit card debts, medical bills, lawsuit judgments, personal loans, obligations under a lease or other contract, and other unsecured debts. 2 .

How long does bankruptcy affect credit?

Your bankruptcy discharge will additional appear on your credit report and affect your credit score for seven years after you file for Chapter 13 protection, and for 10 years from the date you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. 12  13 .

What happens when you file for bankruptcy?

When you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the trustee takes possession of your property, then sells assets with any value or equity to raise money to pay off your creditors. Chapter 7 is the strictest form of bankruptcy. Under the terms of the BAPCPA, you are not allowed to discharge debts associated with your property settlement agreement.

How does Chapter 13 bankruptcy work?

In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the trustee does not pay your debts through liquidation of your assets, but rather with your excess income. The court determines how much money you have left over at the end of the month after paying reasonable and necessary living expenses. You give this money to your trustee, and he distributes it among your creditors. This allows you to discharge more types of debts than if you had filed for Chapter 7 protection. In a Chapter 13, you can often discharge debts you took responsibility for paying in your marital settlement agreement, even if the language in your agreement includes hold harmless clauses. This is because one section of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code – 523 (a) (15) – does not pertain to Chapter 13 filings. Section 523 (a) (15) dictates that any debt associated with a divorce decree or settlement agreement is not dischargeable.#N#Read More: Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Explained

Can you discharge child support in bankruptcy?

This includes child support payments made to your state child support enforcement agency, health insurance coverage, education costs, or even life insurance if you've named your ex or your children as beneficiaries. It includes mortgage payments you may have agreed to make for your family's home. Additionally, the court won't discharge your Chapter 13 bankruptcy after completion of your repayment plan unless you're current with your support obligations. Under the BAPCPA, family support obligations are inviolate; you can't eliminate or reduce them by filing for bankruptcy.

Can you file for bankruptcy after Chapter 13?

Additionally, the court won't discharge your Chapter 13 bankruptcy after completion of your repayment plan unless you're current with your support obligations. Under the BAPCPA, family support obligations are inviolate; you can't eliminate or reduce them by filing for bankruptcy.

Can you discharge debts in Chapter 13?

In a Chapter 13, you can often discharge debts you took responsibility for paying in your marital settlement agreement, even if the language in your agreement includes hold harmless clauses.

How long does it take to receive bankruptcy settlements?

Some settlements or property interests are the property of the bankruptcy estate even if you become entitled to receive them within 180 days after filing your case. These include money or property you become entitled to through an inheritance, death benefit plan (such as life insurance), a property settlement agreement with your spouse, ...

What happens when you file for bankruptcy?

When you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, almost all property you own becomes part of the bankruptcy estate. Unless you can entirely protect an asset using a bankruptcy exemption, the bankruptcy trustee appointed to oversee your case can sell it to pay your creditors.

How long does a Chapter 13 bankruptcy last?

In addition to the above, property of the estate in Chapter 13 bankruptcy also includes any settlements or property you acquire during your case (which typically lasts three to five years). If you receive a nonexempt settlement during Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you'll likely have to pay more towards your unsecured debts in your repayment plan.

How long after bankruptcy do you get estate property?

The estate property also includes a handful of assets that you become entitled to after filing, specifically, during the 180 days following the filing of your bankruptcy case. These things can be quite valuable, such as inheritance, lottery winnings, and more.

What happens to insurance money after bankruptcy?

If you receive money from a lawsuit or insurance policy after bankruptcy, the money might belong to your bankruptcy estate.

What are the legal claims that are included in bankruptcy?

Legal claims, including personal injury and breach of contract claims , are included in the assets you must list on your bankruptcy schedules when you file for bankruptcy. Whether a settlement is the property of the bankruptcy estate will depend on the date of injury.

Is bankruptcy settlement the property of bankruptcy estate?

Keep in mind that whether your settlement is the property of the bankruptcy estate depends on when you became entitled to it. You won't look at the date you received the proceeds which can be months later, but rather when you became entitled to receive them.

How long does a bankruptcy settlement stay on your credit?

There is no law saying the creditor must accept your offer. Your credit score will take a beating, and the settlement will remain on your account for seven years from the date of the initial delinquency. (Chapter 7 bankruptcy, however, lasts three years longer.)

What is debt settlement?

Debt settlement — also known as debt negotiation and debt arbitration — must never be confused with credit counseling and debt management programs. In debt settlement, you or your representative attempt to get creditors (usually credit card issuers) to accept a portion of the total balance as payment in full.

How long does it take to file Chapter 7?

Chapter 7 is fairly quick, usually taking between three and six months to complete. Filers get immediate relief from debt collectors. Calls and other contacts cease.

How much does a debt settlement company charge?

Most base their fees on the debt settlement, generally between 15%-25%.

How to settle debt on your own?

If you’re organized and persistent, you can attempt debt settlement on your own. Talk to your creditors; explain your situation; attempt to work out terms. The fees you save can be substantial.

How to settle debt when cash is scarce?

When cash is scarce, debt settlement candidates turn to outside representatives who usually take the following steps to reach a settlement: Put their clients on a budget. Order them to make no more payments on their unsecured ( credit card, medical, personal loan, even student loan) debt.

What are the two types of bankruptcy?

Personal bankruptcy falls, generally, into two types: straight liquidation of assets (Chapter 7) and reorganization (Chapter 13). Both go through the court system where a judge, ultimately, decides the outcome. Both also become part of the public record.

What happens if you file Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. Unless your lender has placed additional liens on your other assets after obtaining the deficiency judgment, the judgment is no different than any of your other general unsecured debts (such as credit card debt or medical bills).

What happens if a judgment is placed on your property?

If a judgment lien has been placed on your property, you must file a motion with the court to remove it. Learn more about lien avoidance in bankruptcy.

When Can Your Lender Sue You for a Deficiency?

Your lender doesn't always have an automatic right to come after you for a deficiency balance. Most states permit car lenders to pursue borrowers to collect auto loan deficiencies. When it comes to mortgage loans, deficiency laws can be complex and differ significantly from state to state.

What happens if you don't pay your credit card?

If you don't pay your credit cards, medical bills, or other personal loans, the lender or creditor can bring a breach of contract lawsuit against you. If your lender obtains a judgment, it can garnish your wages or go after your assets to satisfy the outstanding judgment.

Can you file for bankruptcy if you have a judgment against you?

If a creditor obtains a judgment against you for a nondischargeable obligation, filing for bankruptcy will not discharge that judgment. Some of the most common types of nondischargeable judgments include those related to or arising out of: death or injury caused by the debtor's drunk driving.

Can bankruptcy wipe out a deficiency judgment?

Filing for bankruptcy relief can wipe out your personal liability for a deficiency judgment. How the deficiency judgment will be treated in bankruptcy depends on whether you file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Can a mortgage lender sue for a deficiency?

Some states only allow a single collection action (such as foreclosure or a lawsuit but not both) or prohibit mortgage lenders from suing borrowers for a deficiency altogether. However, in many states (called deficiency states), mortgage lenders can obtain deficiency judgments against you after foreclosure.

What is a marital settlement?

The contract is called a marital settlement, a divorce agreement, a property settlement, or something similar. Most agreements spell out the responsibilities and rights of each spouse. For instance, the agreement could require one spouse to: obtain an insurance policy with the other spouse or a child as beneficiary.

What does "liquidate" mean in a divorce?

liquidate (sell) property and share the proceeds with the other spouse, or

How to write a divorce agreement?

Most agreements spell out the responsibilities and rights of each spouse. For instance, the agreement could require one spouse to: 1 make monthly alimony payments 2 sign a deed or car title to transfer ownership 3 obtain an insurance policy with the other spouse or a child as beneficiary 4 earmark retirement funds to be divided in the future 5 liquidate (sell) property and share the proceeds with the other spouse, or 6 pay the couple's credit card debts.

Does bankruptcy protect property division?

By contrast, bankruptcy law doesn't protect property division agreements. But knowing whether an agreement provision provides for ongoing support or a division of assets isn't always easy. In fact, bankruptcy litigation can arise to determine whether a particular obligation will be forgiven in bankruptcy.

Can you discharge domestic support in Chapter 13?

Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Domestic support obligations aren't discharged in Chapter 13 bankruptcy either. But unlike Chapter 7 bankruptcy, Chapter 13 bankruptcy doesn't preclude obligations arising from a property settlement (those contemplated by § 523 (a) (15)). These might include an agreement to pay the couple's credit card debts, split proceeds from the sale of property, or list an ex-spouse as a beneficiary on an insurance policy.

Can you discharge a divorce debt in Chapter 7?

Here's why. Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Discharging a divorce obligation in Chapter 7 bankruptcy is challenging (if not virtually impossible). Chapter 7 bankruptcy doesn't allow the discharge of any debt that fits the bankruptcy code definition of a domestic support obligation.

Can a spouse file bankruptcy before a marital settlement?

But not all.

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Bankruptcy Discharge Settlement Scam

  • The defendants in the case include Equifax Information Services LLC, Experian Information Solutions Inc. and TransUnion LLC. The lawsuit was filed against the mentioned companies for allegedly violating the Fair Credit Reporting Actand related state laws.
See more on betterbodysettlement.com

Plaintiff Allegations

  • They broke these laws by allegedly not following the required procedures for accurately reporting debts discharged in bankruptcy, and failing to investigate disputes from consumers about this. According to the plaintiffs, defendants were allegedly reporting those kinds of debts as “in collection” or “due and owing” on their credit reports. The plaintiffs argue that the defendants sh…
See more on betterbodysettlement.com

Conditions For Being A Class Member

  • All consumers that received an order or discharge of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and who had a credit report issued by a defendant that contained debts, accounts, judgments, or other obligations discharged in bankruptcy that were not reported as discharged in bankruptcy. The credit report must have been issued between March 15, 2002 and May 11, 2009, or for California residents, M…
See more on betterbodysettlement.com

How to Deal with Credit Report Inaccuracies

  • The normal thing to do if you spot inaccuracies in your credit report is to dispute it. Once you do that the Fair Credit Reporting Act requires that those inaccuracies in your credit report should be cleaned up. Not all inaccuracies can be removed by the credit reporting agencies. The things that can be removed include: 1. Wrong information such as an account you never opened , someone …
See more on betterbodysettlement.com

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