Will Chapter 7 bankruptcy get rid of my traffic tickets?
Simple Answer: No.
In most cases, traffic/parking tickets are not dischargeable in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, as they are usually owed to a government agency. Bankruptcy laws protect the government’s ability to collect these types of debts, so you won’t be able to erase them through bankruptcy.
Bankruptcy law has a list of debts that are exempt from discharge, and traffic/parking tickets typically fall under the category of debts owed to a government agency, which cannot be wiped out in bankruptcy.
Debts That Cannot Be Discharged in Bankruptcy:
- Child support, alimony, or spousal maintenance
- Most student loans
- Criminal fines and restitution
- Debts resulting from fraud or false representation
- Certain taxes or government-related debts
- Debts for luxury goods, certain cash advances, or gambling-related debts
- Traffic/parking tickets are usually considered non-dischargeable when owed to a government entity.
What Happens If You File Chapter 7 and Have Traffic Tickets?
If you’re in Chapter 7 and have traffic ticket debt, you may still have to pay it off. However, bankruptcy can help eliminate other debts and free up money to put toward paying off your tickets. It’s important to speak with a bankruptcy attorney to see if your specific case qualifies for any exemptions.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy and Traffic Tickets
In contrast to Chapter 7, Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows you to reorganize your debts and create a repayment plan. If you have civil traffic tickets, you might be able to include them in your repayment plan and pay them off over your three to five year case.
What Are the Benefits of Filing Chapter 13 for Traffic Tickets?
- Reduce the immediate financial burden of paying off large ticket debts.
- Consolidate multiple debts (including traffic tickets) into one affordable monthly payment.
- Protect assets from creditors who may seek garnishments or other collection actions.
In Chapter 13, your traffic ticket debt might still be part of your overall financial plan, but you’ll have the option to repay it over time without the pressure of immediate payment demands.
What You Need to Know About Bankruptcy and Traffic Tickets
While bankruptcy can offer significant relief for many types of debts, traffic tickets are not always one of them. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Traffic tickets owed to a government entity are generally not dischargeable in bankruptcy.
- Chapter 13 bankruptcy may provide a way to reorganize and make payments on your traffic tickets, but criminal fines will still need to be dealt with.
- Consult with an experienced bankruptcy attorney to explore your options and determine the best course of action for your situation.
Questions to Consider
- Do you have civil traffic tickets that are impacting your finances?
- Would you like to know more about how Chapter 13 could help you manage your traffic ticket debt?
If you’ve been struggling with traffic ticket debt or facing garnishments, filing for bankruptcy may be a solution worth exploring. However, it’s crucial to understand how your specific situation fits within the bankruptcy rules.
Get the Help You Need—Contact Us Today!
If you’re overwhelmed by traffic tickets and other debts, it’s time to take control of your financial future. Contact our Kansas City bankruptcy attorneys for a free consultation to explore your options and find the best solution for your financial situation.
You don’t have to navigate this process alone—let us guide you toward the fresh start you deserve.
Reach out today to schedule your free consultation and get the answers you need about bankruptcy and traffic tickets!
