Bankruptcy Discharge Lawyer in Ohio
Choose a Skilled Bankruptcy Team in Cleveland to Discharge Your Debts
At Knevel Law Co. LPA our Cleveland bankruptcy lawyers have over 45 years of combined experience serving clients across Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Elyria, and Garfield Heights with skilled representation and legal advocacy. We know what it takes to discharge debt and can educate you on the options available as you seek to establish financial freedom.
Seeking to discharge debt? Contact Knevel Law Co. LPA online or call (216) 450-6689 for a free consultation. We have offices in Cleveland, Garfield Heights, Elyria, and Akron. Reach out today!
What is a Bankruptcy Discharge?
A bankruptcy discharge is a court order that legally releases you from personal liability for certain debts after competing in your bankruptcy case. In addition to the debt forgiveness, creditors are no longer able to communicate with you by phone, mail, or in person, or take legal action against you for those debts.
In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the discharge is typically granted about four months after the petition is filed. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy discharge is granted after the completion of your plan payments.
What Debts are Discharged in Bankruptcy?
The types of debts discharged depend on whether you filed for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, your trustee will liquidate your nonexempt assets and divide their value among your creditors, and your remaining debts will be discharged. In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, after completing your repayment plan, any remaining debts are discharged.
Commonly discharged debts include:
What Debts Cannot Be Discharged?
Certain debts are not able to be discharged under either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Non-dischargeable debts in any form of bankruptcy include:
- Child support
- Alimony
- Certain criminal fines
- Certain taxes
- Debts you did not list in your bankruptcy
- Student loans (in the vast majority of cases)
Certain debts are also nondischargeable in Chapter 7 that can be discharged in Chapter 13, and vice versa.
Which of the Following Debts Are Not Extinguished by a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
The following debts are not discharged in Chapter 7:
- Debts not discharged in a previous bankruptcy
- Debts to the government (fines or penalties)
- Court fines or penalties
- Debt from personal injury case caused by the debtor's DUI
- HOA fees
- Retirement plan loans
Non-dischargeable debts in Chapter 13 include:
- Debts from willful or malicious actions
- Debts from fraud
- Debts from recent luxury purchases
How Do You Know When Your Bankruptcy is Discharged?
You will know that your debt was discharged when you:
- Ask your bankruptcy attorney
- Check your mail for a notice from the bankruptcy clerk
- Call the Bankruptcy Court
- Check online at the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system -- small fee for searches
As a BBB A+ rated firm, our attorneys have filed over 18,000 bankruptcies cases on behalf of our clients.
Call Knevel Law Co. LPA for the Representation You Need.
Are you interested in clearing all of your debts or saving your home from foreclosure? Financial relief may be possible with the help of experienced attorneys at our firm. Meet with our Cleveland bankruptcy lawyers at Knevel Law Co. LPA to learn more about bankruptcy discharge and what can be done in your case.
Call (216) 450-6689 for a free evaluation to discuss your discharge with our dedicated bankruptcy lawyers.
