Debt and Bankruptcy Discharge Explained

In general, bankruptcy discharge — also called debt discharge — excuses the debtor from personal liability for most types of debt. Discharge relieves the debtor of the responsibility for paying any debts in existence before the bankruptcy filing. Creditors are not permitted to take any form of action to collect on the discharged debt. This includes legal action and communication with the debtor, such as phone calls, letters, email, and personal contact.

Although the debtor is no longer personally responsible for discharged debts, a valid lien (a legal claim or hold on a piece of property) that has not been avoided (made unenforceable) as part of the bankruptcy case will remain in effect. In other words, a secured creditor may enforce the lien to recover the property secured by the lien.

The first step toward debt discharge and bankruptcy protection is a consultation with a bankruptcy attorney. All Massachusetts residents interested in learning more about bankruptcy discharge, filing papers, obtaining a settlement, and their duties after the discharge can reach Attorney von Timroth at 508-753-2006.

Vladimir von Timroth has two offices in the Boston, MA and Worcester, MA areas:

405 Grove Street, Suite 204
Worcester, MA 01605

251 Harvard Street
Suite 4, Brookline, MA 02446