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If you’re filling bankruptcy, chapter 13 in particular, you’re not going to want to get confused with the two terms, “Discharge” and “Dismissal” because they both have their own meanings.

What is a discharge?

A discharge basically means that your court case has been a success.  Everything that you have showed in terms of evidence was enough for the judge to grant you the final okay, so that you can be cleared of your debt.

If you have been dismissed, this means that the judge has simply thrown out your court case and you can’t file for bankruptcy.  This can be based on many reasons, as every court case is unique and different.

If you want to increase your odds of getting  a discharge in court, you can follow these tips to see if you can potentially land one.

Know what a bankruptcy entails

Like most things in life, you’re going to have to meet certain guidelines in order to be eligible for things.  You will find that there is no difference with Chapter 13 bankruptcy.  Read up on the cases, meet with lawyers, and make sure you’re going to get discharged.  You don’t want to waste anyone’s time.

Get an attorney

You may want to think you know everything and can do everything yourself, but you will find that there is so much paperwork to fill out and more.  An attorney is going to save you so much time and headaches.  Yes, they will cost you a few thousand dollars, but if you’re serious about this, you will want to go this route.

Stick with your payment plans

With a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you will not be free and clear of your debts, but instead, you will have to pay back debts via a payment plan.  Make sure that you stick with these payment plans and pay them accordingly.  Fail to do so will only hurt you in the long run.

Remember that all debts will not be discharged in a Chapter 13 case.  Debts such as student loans, child support, fines, and more will stay with you until paid off.

To get more information, the US Courts has a great glossary here.

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