| Alimony and Support Claims |
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| Filing for bankruptcy does not suspend or stop the obligation to pay child support or alimony. Whether an obligation imposed by a divorce decree is dischargeable depends on whether it is characterized as support or as a property settlement. In many instances, obligations for property settlement can be discharged in bankruptcy, while obligations for child support and alimony cannot be discharged in bankruptcy. Bankruptcy law, not state law, determines whether an obligation is a support obligation or a property settlement obligation. More... |
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| Estate Property |
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| The commencement of a voluntary, joint, or involuntary bankruptcy petition automatically creates an "estate." The estate is comprised of all the property that is described in section 541 of the Bankruptcy Code. It includes all legal or equitable interests of the debtor in property, wherever located, as of the commencement of the case. To determine a debtor's rights in property, a court examines state law. More... |
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| Chapter 12 Debtor and Trustee Powers |
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| Chapter 12 provides that a standing trustee will be appointed in each case, but in the ordinary course, actual operation of the farm will remain with the debtor. Additionally, the debtor, as debtor in possession, has all rights, responsibilities, and powers, as would a debtor in possession under Chapter 11. Chapter 12 does not provide for the appointment of creditors' committees. More... |
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| Voluntary and Involuntary Bankruptcy |
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| A voluntary case is commenced by filing a petition with the bankruptcy court. The commencement of a voluntary case constitutes an order for relief under the relevant chapter. An involuntary case is commenced by filing a petition with the bankruptcy court under Chapter 7 or 11. More... |
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| The "Clean Slate" of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy |
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| What is Chapter 7 bankruptcy? More... |
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