What Bankruptcy Can't Erase

Bankruptcy is often talked about as a clean slate, and for a lot of unsecured debt, it genuinely can be. But a specific set of obligations generally aren't dischargeable, in either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.

What usually survives. Most federal student loans (discharge is possible but requires a separate, harder showing of undue hardship), most tax debt, child support and alimony, and debts arising from fraud or certain court judgments typically aren't wiped out by a standard filing.

What that means practically. For someone whose debt is mostly credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans, bankruptcy can meaningfully clear the board. For someone whose debt is mostly student loans or tax debt, it may do much less than expected — worth knowing before treating it as a default answer.

An attorney can give a real read on your specific debts. For the unsecured portion that bankruptcy would clear anyway, start your free check-in to compare it against settlement first.