' Filing Bankruptcy and Child Support - Law Offices of Robert M. Geller
CALL NOW!
FREE PHONE/VIRTUAL CONSULTATION

Bankruptcy and Family Law: Does Filing Affect the Child Support I Pay or Receive?

How Does Filing Bankruptcy Affect Child Support.Bankruptcy and Family Law

If you’re like many people, the well-being of your children is your most important priority. Struggling financially doesn’t change this. Even if you are considering bankruptcy, you’ll still want to do right by your children and provide for them. What should you know about bankruptcy and family law?

What if you’re the custodial parent and you rely on your child’s other payment for support payments – but he or she is struggling? How does bankruptcy affect child support payments?

Is Child Support Discharged in Bankruptcy?

No.

Child support is a priority debt. Bankruptcy does not discharge it. You must continue paying your payments when you file. If there are past due payments, you’re responsible for those, too.

Does Bankruptcy’s Automatic Stay Affect Child Support Payments?

Bankruptcy’s automatic stay is one of its primary benefits. When you file, the court orders your creditors to stop all debt collection actions. Creditors can no longer contact you or take legal action against you concerning a debt. The debt isn’t discharged – yet – but you do get a break from creditor contact while the court sorts through your case.

However, the automatic stay does nothing to prevent the collection of child support payments. Child support is a court-ordered obligation. Bankruptcy and family law are two separate legal issues handled in two separate courts. The obligation remains in place regardless of any effort you take to file for bankruptcy and your child’s other parent can continue to seek support from you even after you’ve filed.

The chapter bankruptcy you use does affect how the court handles child support issues. Neither relieves you of support obligations, but filing for Chapter 13 makes it a bit more difficult for your child’s other parent to collect. This is because your income is part of your bankruptcy estate for up to five years after you file for Chapter 13.

Recipient parents must request relief from the automatic stay to collect what is owed, but the court lifts the stay in almost every case. If you are a recipient parent fighting for child support payments, an attorney can help you file a request for relief against the paying parent.

You can find out more about the automatic stay with this information from the Cornell Law School.

Courts Consider Child Support Priority Debts

When addressing issues of bankruptcy and family law, you must understand how the bankruptcy court handles priority debts. A priority debt is a debt that the court considers more important than others. You pay it before any other type of debt.

Not only is child support a priority over debts like credit cards or bank loans, but it’s also a debt over other priority debts. The court satisfies child support debts before other priority debts, such as tax obligations.

In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, back child support payments are added to your bankruptcy payment plan. Current payments must be paid out of your income during the three to five year Chapter 13 plan.

In Chapter 7, back payments are paid from any assets liquidated by the trustee. Your obligation to make payments continues, including any back payments owed, going forward once your bankruptcy case is complete.

Contact an Attorney to Help You with Bankruptcy and Family Law Issues

Determining how to handle priority debts when you file for bankruptcy is a challenge. For many people, filing for bankruptcy makes it possible to fulfill their most important financial obligation – supporting their children.

If you have questions about bankruptcy and family law or how filing will affect child support, contact the Law Office of Robert M. Geller at 813-254-5696 to schedule a free consultation.

Archive

Video Testimonials

Tampa Bankruptcy Law Blog

How is Marital Debt Divided?

Filing for bankruptcy is a complex process and becomes even more complicated when marital debt is involved. Marital debt refers...
Read More

What is Skip Tracing in Debt Collection?

When you lend money to someone whether it is for personal or business reasons, it’s especially difficult when they don’t...
Read More

What Happens at the End of a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Dealing with bankruptcy is never easy. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you need to file for...
Read More

Can My Wages Be Garnished for My Spouse’s Debt?

Marriage is a partnership that often extends to financial issues, including debt. Unfortunately, not all spouses see eye to eye...
Read More

What Happens When You Get a Court Summons for Debt?

Getting a court summons for debt can be an overwhelming and frightening experience, but it doesn't have to be. Despite...
Read More

Can a Debt Collector Serve You Papers at Work?

Debt can feel overwhelming and stressful, especially if you have creditors calling you at work. Many people wonder whether this...
Read More

What to Do If a Debt Collector Threatens You?

Dealing with debt collectors is stressful and challenging. Even under the best of circumstances, contact from a debt collector is...
Read More

What You Need to Know about Updates to Student Loan Bankruptcy Discharge Laws

Are you struggling to make ends meet because of hefty student loan debt? The good news is that you may...
Read More

What is Considered Harassment from a Debt Collector?

Being in debt is never easy, but it’s especially devastating when you're being harassed by debt collectors. Of course, debt...
Read More

What to Do When You are Drowning in Debt?

Living with overwhelming debt is a distressing experience. It can feel like you are in an endless cycle of bills,...
Read More

Bankruptcy

For The Next 5 Days GET A FREE BOOK About Bankruptcy

Learn More

Infographics

We are A Debt Relief Agency.
We help people file for bankruptcy under the Bankruptcy Code

Pay Online Bankruptcy Courses Newsletter Subscription

Call For A Free Initial Consultation

813.254.5696

Tampa Office

Law Offices of Robert M. Geller, P.A.
807 West Azeele Street
Tampa, FL 33606
T: (813) 254-5696
T: (800) 853-7549
F: (813) 253-3405

Map And Directions

St. Petersburg Office

Law Offices of Robert M. Geller, P.A.
125 5th Street South
(Wells Fargo Financial Center)
2nd Floor, Suite G
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
T: (727) 532-3939

Map And Directions

Pasco Office

23526 State Road 54
Lutz, FL 33559
T: (813) 336-2320

Map And Directions