Struggling financially can lead to numerous struggles for any Pennsylvania resident. After all, individuals need money to meet basic needs and to care for themselves and their families. If they cannot make ends meet due to substantial debt, they may wonder how they could get back on track. Fortunately, bankruptcy could help parties in such a situation.
Often, individuals hear of debts being discharged through this legal process, which can certainly be intriguing. However, the discharge of debt can depend on the type of bankruptcy for which a person files. For example, with Chapter 7, a debtor can discharge their unsecured debts such as credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans without the need to make payments.
If a person files for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the process is completely different. The person will utilize a repayment plan – once approved by the court — to repay creditors over a certain period of time. Once the person reaches the end of the repayment plan, any remaining allowable debts will be discharged.
A debt discharge essentially means that the debt is forgiven and that the person is no longer liable for the outstanding balance. This outcome could be immensely useful to Pennsylvania residents who are having a difficult time handling their debts. If parties believe that bankruptcy could help them set their finances right, they may wish to discuss their options with knowledgeable attorneys who can assess their specific circumstances.