Legal Question in Bankruptcy in Indiana

Unemployed Student

I am a college student with about $10,000 of unsecured debt. I am also unemployed. Is it reasonable to file for bankruptcy. I also have a child. Also was wondering about what assets would be taken away if I should hapen to file.


Asked on 1/15/02, 2:37 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Dorene Philpot Philpot Law Office

Re: Unemployed Student

In Indiana, you can file jointly, as a married couple, or separately.

Assets that you are allowed to keep: $7,500 in home equity (double that, if filing jointly) $4,000 in personal property, which includes equity in your vehicle(s) (double that, if filing jointly). Items that you cannot get discharged in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy include student loans, child support, maintenance to a former spouse, most taxes and damages in a drunken driving accident. Pretty much everything else is fair game for discharge. The most common reasons that people file for bankruptcy protection are: 1. Job loss/business closure or downsizing. 2. Major uninsured medical bills. 3. Divorce. There is no limit to the amount of bills or debts that you can get discharged. You just have to show that your income vs. your bills won't provide you with a way to make meaningful progress on paying off your debts. You can choose which items you want to keep and continue to pay on, such as autos and your home. This is called reaffirmation. The whole process from filing to discharge takes about four months.

I hope you find this information to be useful.

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Answered on 1/16/02, 6:31 am


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