The world is becoming more and more complex nowadays. Extreme weather conditions, odd catastrophes, war, brutality… It seems that everything in this world is now becoming pretty unusual and mind-boggling that could ultimately result to a humanity that is struggling and suffering because of such a harsh reality. Simply put, the world will never be the same again.
In the same way, family problems are also getting rampant in this day and age. As a matter of fact, it is much worse now compared back in the day. When you come right down to it, most of these family problems often lead to separation. Not only that, divorce can also lead to child-support issues, alimony, and the like.
Psychologically speaking, nearly all problem kids in the society these days are generally a result of separation. A kid who still has unresolved issues with her parents’ divorce and single-handedly deals with the split of her parents can make her a broken child sooner or later.
Furthermore, another harsh effect of divorce is that former spouses are often left by their exes being uncertain whether they would be able to stop making child-support payments the moment their ex files for bankruptcy.
In Pennsylvania, spouses specifically ex-husbands, must always continue paying child support, including past due support owed to ex-spouse or to the State. Whether there is a chance that you can avoid paying child maintenance depends on whether you file a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy or a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.
If you filed under Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, you may be able to stop paying child support if you can attest to the bankruptcy judge that the alimony order is not really for your ex-spouse’s support but is part of a property division. This is not an easy thing to carry out and would need the help of an experienced bankruptcy legal representative.
Believe it or not, your ex-spouses’ health, education and earning power, are the factors that the judge can consider In deciding whether the alimony is support or property division, whether payments stop or are reduced upon remarriage or a child turning 18, and whether there was a need for support at the time of the divorce. If, as is often the case, the alimony order is designed to provide for your ex-spouse’s support and maintenance, then you must continue to pay the alimony.
If you filed under Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, you must continue to make all the payments you owe your ex-spouse as part of the divorce, including whatever you owe as part of a property division.
Ultimately, filing bankruptcy will not stop a court case for a divorce, to establish paternity, or to collect child support or alimony. If you file a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, your repayment Plan cannot be confirmed (approved by the Bankruptcy Court) unless your child support and alimony payments are current. If you fail to confirm a plan will result in the case being converted to Chapter 7.
Bankruptcy In Pennsylvania