I have previously written about the requirements that a debtor must meet in order to file for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. As long as the debtor is able to meet the means test and disposable income test, the debtor can file for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. However, there are a number of conditions that would disqualify a debtor from filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. The following post will address those conditions.
Generally, any debtor who is qualified to file and complete a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy case is eligible for a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Discharge, unless the debtor falls into one or more of the following categories:
A person who has been granted a discharge in a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy case that was filed within the last 8 years. This limitation prevents debtor from filing another Chapter 7 Bankruptcy case despite meeting all other qualifications. The bankruptcy petition specifically asks debtors regarding any prior bankruptcy filings.
A person who has been granted a discharge in a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy case that was filed within the last 6 years, unless 70% or more of the debtor’s unsecured claims were paid off in the Chapter 13 Bankruptcy case. Therefore, if the debtor’s Chapter 13 Bankruptcy case paid less than 70% of the unsecured claims, the debtor is limited to filing Chapter 13 Bankruptcy within the 6 year period.
A person who files and obtains court approval of a written waiver of discharge in the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy case.
A person who conceals, transfers, or destroys his or her property with the intent to defraud his or her creditors or the trustee in the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy case. This relates to the provisions denying discharge to the debtor who committed that type of conduct.
A person who conceals, destroys, or falsifies records of his or her financial condition or business transactions.
A person who makes false statements or claims in the Chapter 7 case, or who withholds recorded information from the trustee.
A person who files to satisfactorily explain any loss or deficiency of his or her assets.
A person who refuses to answer questions or obey orders of the bankruptcy court, either in his or her bankruptcy case or in the bankruptcy case of a relative, business associate, or corporation with which he or she is associated.
A person who, after filing the case, fails to complete an instructional course on personal financial management. This is the reason that it is critical for the debtor to complete the course within 45 days of the meeting of the creditors.
A person who has been convicted of bankruptcy fraud or who owes a debt arising from a securities law violation.
If the debtor meets on or more of the above conditions, he is not eligible for a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy discharge and should not file a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.
If you contemplating filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, or are dealing with debt problems in Western New York, including Rochester, Canandaigua, Brighton, Pittsford, Penfield, Perinton, Fairport, Webster, Victor, Farmington, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Parma, Brockport, Spencerport, LeRoy, Chili, Churchville, Monroe County, Ontario County, Wayne County, Orleans County, Livingston County, and being harassed by bill collectors, and would like to know more about how bankruptcy may be able to help you, contact me today by phone or email to schedule a FREE initial consultation with a Rochester, NY, bankruptcy lawyer.