What is the difference between a discharge and a dismissal?

In Pennsylvania, a bankruptcy discharge and a dismissal are two different court actions. A discharge is the act of a court permanently relieving a person from all of their dischargeable debts. A discharge is granted by a court once the bankrupt party has satisfied all of the requirements of their bankruptcy filing. Once a discharge is granted, creditors are no longer able to attempt to collect the debts, including through court action. A dismissal, on the other hand, is the act of the court dismissing a bankruptcy case without discharging any debts. A bankruptcy case may be dismissed for various reasons, such as failure to file required documents, failure to pay filing fees, or failure to attend the required court hearings. If a bankruptcy case is dismissed, creditors are still able to attempt to collect the debts owing, including through court action. A discharge and dismissal are both important parts of the bankruptcy process in Pennsylvania. A discharge is what is necessary for a debtor to having their debts permanently relieved and creditors to be prevented from trying to collect them. A dismissal can occur if necessary requirements are not met, so creditors are still able to attempt to collect debts owed.

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What is the difference between a discharge and a dismissal?

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