How will filing for bankruptcy affect my spouse?

Filing for bankruptcy will have an effect on your spouse, depending on what kind of bankruptcy you file. If you file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, your spouse will be required to join in the repayment plan with you. This means that your spouse will be responsible for making payments to the trustee overseeing your bankruptcy in order to pay off your debts. If you file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, your spouse may not be required to join in the bankruptcy filing with you, but their income will be considered when your income is calculated for the means test. This means that if your income is too high, you may not be able to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. In either case, your spouse will not be directly responsible for repaying any of your debts after you file for bankruptcy, since the bankruptcy and its attendant discharge of obligations are conducted in your name only. It is important to note that if your spouse owns property with you or is a cosigner on any of your debts, their assets may still be at risk in a bankruptcy, depending on the type of bankruptcy you file.

Related FAQs

What are the requirements for filing for bankruptcy under the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005?
What types of debt can be discharged through bankruptcy?
How long does it take to file for bankruptcy?
What is the difference between a Chapter 11 and a Chapter 13 bankruptcy?
What do I do with any unexpired leases or contracts when filing for bankruptcy?
Are there additional filing fees associated with filing for bankruptcy?
What is the difference between a joint bankruptcy filing and an individual filing?
Will filing for bankruptcy stop repossession?
Are there restrictions on my ability to travel while filing for bankruptcy?
What are some of the potential pitfalls to filing for bankruptcy?

Related Blog Posts

What is Bankruptcy Law? - July 31, 2023
What Are the Most Popular Types of Bankruptcy? - August 7, 2023
How to Choose the Right Bankruptcy Attorney for Your Case - August 14, 2023
Understand the Consequences of Not Filing for Bankruptcy - August 21, 2023
How to Avoid Bankruptcy With Financial Self-Management - August 28, 2023