I received a debt-collection lawsuit

More bankruptcy and debt situations

• A collector says I owe money I do not recognize Verify the collector and request the required debt information before paying an unfamiliar demand.
• Which counseling and education courses are required? Prefiling credit counseling and postfiling debtor education are separate requirements, with limited exceptions.
• Divorce and bankruptcy may happen at the same time Coordinate both cases before dividing assets, assigning debts, or filing.
• Can bankruptcy erase taxes, support or fines? Some obligations are excepted from discharge; tax treatment and other exceptions require detailed review.
• Collectors keep calling or threatening me Covered collectors must follow federal collection rules; additional local protections may apply.
• Will my spouse or cosigner be protected? One person’s filing or discharge does not automatically eliminate another person’s liability.
• Can student loans be discharged? Some student debt requires a separate dischargeability proceeding and a legal showing; it is not automatically erased or universally impossible to discharge.
• Someone offers to erase debt or repair credit for a fee Verify the provider and understand costs and risks before paying or stopping creditor payments.

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