The main reason most people file for bankruptcy under Chapter 7 is to get out from under their debts. People who qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy under the bankruptcy means test are eligible to have their debts discharged, which means that they cannot be held legally responsible for those debts in the future. Not all debts, though, are dischargeable in Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Student Loans and Bankruptcy

Student loan debt used to be treated as any other debt and could be discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The 1978 Bankruptcy Reform Act changed that. One of the reforms enacted in the 1978 law provided that educational loans made, insured or guaranteed by the government could not be discharged in bankruptcy without a showing of "undue hardship."

According Stephen P. Parsons, author of The ABCs of Debt, the new bankruptcy laws enacted in the U.S. in 2005 expanded the prohibition on discharge of student loans to include private student loans as well. Under the new bankruptcy laws, an individual's ability to discharge any student loan, whether public or private, depends on whether the person can prove undue hardship.

• Robert Marchbank

• Latvian Business Bank

• Natwest Bankline

• Sandbanks Poole Map

  If you are planning a visit to Poole, Sandbanks, , have a look at this page of places nearby. You will find an interactive map of attractions and places of interest ...

• Film Databank