article thumbnail

What is the Difference Between Secured and Unsecured Debt?

Sawin & Shea

However, which type of bankruptcy you file will also depend on what kind of debt you have. Secured and unsecured debt is handled differently in Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13. What is Secured Debt? Secured debts are a type of debt backed by an asset that is used as collateral. What is Unsecured Debt?

article thumbnail

What Debts Are Not Discharged in Bankruptcy?

Sawin & Shea

It is important to understand that in either form of bankruptcy (Chapter 7 or Chapter 13), there are types of debt that cannot be discharged even after filing for bankruptcy. In broad terms, bankruptcy law differentiates between consumer-related debt as well as secured vs. unsecured debt.

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

How Much Debt is Needed to File for Bankruptcy?

Sawin & Shea

Firstly, you need to understand the difference between unsecured and secured debts. Unsecured debts refer to debts that don’t have collateral. Secured debts refer to debts with collateral, like house payments and car payments. Will Bankruptcy Eliminate All of My Debts?

article thumbnail

Consumer Debt vs. Non Consumer Debt

Sawin & Shea

Examples of non consumer debts include: Alimony Child support Traffic tickets Parking tickets Criminal restitution Business loans Personal guarantees Business property mortgages Business-related legal fees Taxes. Are Student Loans Consumer or Non-Consumer Debts?

article thumbnail

Who Can Declare Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

Sawin & Shea

Chapter 7 is the most common form of bankruptcy for individuals and families, and it allows you to discharge many of your unsecured debts within only a few months. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a form of personal bankruptcy that liquidates filers’ assets to discharge qualifying unsecured debts. What is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

article thumbnail

Can I File Bankruptcy on Just My Credit Cards?

Sawin & Shea

You aren’t allowed to pick and choose which debt you want the bankruptcy to apply to. Briefly, unsecured debts are not backed by any collateral and include things like credit card balances and unpaid medical bills. Creditors cannot reclaim any of your property if you default on a loan. What other debts do I owe?

article thumbnail

Nearly Half of Indiana Facing Medical Debt

Sawin & Shea

Out of the reported debt statistics, 35% of all debts in collections were medical, which surpassed other forms of debt. 25% of debts in collections were credit card related, and 20% were student loan debts. What Should I Do If I Have Medical Debts?