In the United States, student loans have exceeded $1.6 trillion, making student loans a central focus amongst Chapter 7 and 13 debtors. Student loans facilitated or guaranteed by the U.S. government or a non-profit institution are non-dischargeable in bankruptcy court, pursuant to Section 523 (a)(8) of the Bankruptcy Code. A non-dischargeable debt means that the debtor must still repay the debt even after successful Chapter 13 or 7 bankruptcy.

This is a three-part article that explores whether private student loans are excepted from discharge under Section 523 (a)(8) of the Bankruptcy Code. Section 523 (a)(8) includes three categories of non-dischargeable student loan debt. Part I of the blog article discussed Section 523 (a)(8)(A)(i) and can be accessed here.

This is a three-part article that explores whether private student loans are excepted from discharge under Section 523 (a)(8) of the Bankruptcy Code. Section 523 (a)(8) includes three categories of non-dischargeable student loan debt. Part I of the blog article discussed Section 523 (a)(8)(A)(i) and can be accessed here.

On September 1, 2021, the Ninth Circuit issued its ruling in the case of In Re Nichols. The Circuit Court held that a debtor has an absolute right—without exception—to dismiss his Chapter 13 bankruptcy case under Section 1307 (b) of the Bankruptcy Code.