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In years past, it was fairly common for people to seek bankruptcy discharge of student loan debts, so they were eventually removed from consideration for the bankruptcy process. Gradually, however, the prohibitions against student loans have lessened a little bit.

Domestic support obligations like alimony and child support are not dischargeable, nor does the filing of a bankruptcy petition stay most court proceedings dealing with family law issues. Some other obligations to a spouse or child incurred in a divorce, separation or by court or government order, such as property settlement demands, may or may not be dischargeable, depending on the circumstances.

A debtor is required to remain current on all domestic support obligations such as alimony/spousal maintenance and child support throughout the duration of the bankruptcy. If a debtor falls behind on his or her domestic support obligations during bankruptcy, the bankruptcy could be dismissed or converted from a Chapter 13 to a Chapter 7 proceeding. The debtor could also risk being held in contempt of court and incurring interest or fees for failing to pay alimony or child support.

Consumer credit reports may reveal Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases for 10 years from filing. Chapter 13 information can be included for seven years from discharge or 10 years from filing if there is no discharge. Account information for debts discharged under either chapter may be included in credit reports for seven years after the accounts go inactive.