Student Loans in Bankruptcy

In order to eliminate student loans in bankruptcy, it is necessary to sue the lender and prove that it would be an "undue hardship" to be required to repay the loan.  The courts have interpreted this requirement stringently, making it difficult for most borrowers to eliminate their student loans in bankruptcy.  

In March 2015, President Obama directed the US Department of Education and other federal agencies to develop clear standards as to when a person would be considered to have an undue hardship.  This would be beneficial, because people who met such standards could file their lawsuit and not have to worry that it would be opposed.  This would significantly decrease the cost of bringing a lawsuit to prove undue hardship and many deserving people could then eliminate their debts through bankruptcy.  Unfortunately, the US Department of Education forgot who they are working for and instead gave the green light to student loan lenders to aggressively fight student loan hardship discharges.  I urge everyone to let their Congressmen and Senators know how they feel about this.

Bankruptcy Can Be A Way Of Obtaining College Transcripts That Are Withheld For Nonpayment Of Tuition Or Loans

Bankruptcy can be a way of obtaining college transcripts that are withheld for nonpayment of tuition or loans. The filing of a bankruptcy petition creates an “automatic stay” that prevents any effort by a creditor to collect on a debt. The great majority of courts that have ruled on the issue have held that the withholding of a college transcript on account of an unpaid debt constitutes an attempt to coerce payment of the debt and is therefore in violation of the bankruptcy stay. The Bankruptcy Court in Minnesota ruled this way in the matter ofre Lanford, 10 B.R. 132 (Bankr.D.Minn.1981) At least two U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals have also ruled this way, In re Merchant, 958 F.2d 738 (6th Cir. 1992); In re Gustafson, 111 B.R. 282 (Bankr. 9th Cir. 1990), rev’d on other grounds 934 F.2d 216 (9th Cir. 1990). As a result, it is very likely that your former school will release your transcripts voluntarily after your file a bankruptcy petition. If the school refuses to release the transcripts and the court finds that the school has violated the bankruptcy stay, the school can be sued for actual and punitive damages, including attorney’s fee and costs.

Tuition debt in most cases is not discharged (eliminated) in bankruptcy, so ultimately you may still have to pay the tuition debt. However, if you have other debts problems that bankruptcy can resolve, the release of your college transcripts may be one more reason to consider filing for bankruptcy protection.

For more information regarding your specific situation, contact Minnesota Bankruptcy Attorney Gregory J. Wald at 952-921-5802 or at BankruptcyMinn.com for a consultation.

Discharging Student Loan Debt In Bankruptcy

In order to discharge a student loan debt in bankruptcy, it is necessary to prove an "undue hardship". The courts have ruled that "undue hardship" means something more than "garden variety" hardship. Bankruptcy courts across the county apply different formulas when determining whether undue financial hardship exists. In Minnesota, the court uses the "totality of the circumstances" test to determine undue hardship. The court can look at many factors, such whether the debtor has made a good faith effort to make payments on the student loan, whether the debtor could make payments on an income contingent repayment plan (if available), the debtor's prospects for earning a greater wage in the future, the debtors age and health, family obligations, how much benefit the debtor received from his or her education, and the size of the loan. To find out if your student loan debt qualifies for discharge in bankruptcy, contact your local bankruptcy attorney who is familiar with the undue hardship formulas used in your jurisdiction.

Consolidating your student loan is an option that may be available to you if a discharge in bankruptcy is not able to be obtained. This is beneficial if you are having trouble making your monthly payments, and have used up your forbearances and deferments, or if you want to avoid going into default altogether. In consolidating your student loan, you would be receiving a Direct Consolidation Loan. This is a federal loan made by the U.S. Dept. of Education that would combine one or more federal student loans into one new loan.

You are only eligible to consolidate your loans if you have graduated, left school, or dropped below half-time enrollment. There must be one Direct Loan or Federal Family Education Loan Program loan that is in a grace period or in repayment. Defaulted loans are able to be consolidated, but repayment arrangements must be made before consolidating, or you must agree to repay your new consolidated loan under the Income-Contingent Repayment Plan or the Income-Based Repayment Plan.

Matters surrounding student loan debt are often complex and require the assistance of someone knowledgeable in this field. Contact Minnesota Bankruptcy Attorney Gregory J. Wald for more information pertaining to your specific student loan matter.

Gregory J. Wald, Attorney at Law
1500 Northland Plaza
3800 American Boulevard West
Bloomington, MN 55431
Telephone: 952-921-5802
Toll Free: 1-866-747-1130
Fax: 952-831-1346
BankruptcyMinn.com
Gwald314@msn.com