Bankruptcy may not seem like an option if you owe child support, but it can reduce other debts and make life easier. It’s important for us to be honest—child support is considered a domestic support obligation and a non-dischargeable debt. Under Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you will continue to owe all current support payments and any unpaid child support.
Fortunately, if you have large amounts of unsecured debt from credit cards or medical bills, you might be able discharge them in a Chapter 7, leaving you with more flexibility to make support payments.
Additionally, Chapter 13 is an option if you want to repay your back child support but can’t seem to get it under control. Under Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you will enter into a repayment plan where any child support owed must be paid in full. You will also be required to pay any ongoing child support.
Think about the flexibility you would have if you have these debts and they were eliminated. Your child support payments would be much easier to make. While you cannot discharge your child support obligations in bankruptcy, you can still use bankruptcy to obtain the assistance you need to get caught up on your payments. Failure to pay child support has a number of serious consequences— you could end up in jail for non-compliance, have your driver’s license suspended, have property and tax refunds seized, and have your wages garnished. Using bankruptcy to reduce your other debts and/or catch up on child support arrangements could be an excellent option for you.
If your financial situation is a problem, contact our office now for a free consultation, whatever your debt situation might be. We can find a solution that will fit your needs.
Law Firm of Kevin D. Judd– Washington DC bankruptcy attorney
