Are you having trouble paying your bills?
Many people fall behind on their bills at some point in their lives. Don’t worry—you won’t go to jail. Owing money is not a crime.
We created this page to help you learn about the bankruptcy process and what your options may be if you’re having a hard time paying your debts.
You might think bankruptcy is the answer to your problems, but it may not be. Bankruptcy is a good choice for some people, but it is not for everyone.
Are you having trouble paying your bills?
Do you have any of these debts?
If you don’t have any of these debts, you can skip to the next section to see about debts that can be eliminated by bankruptcy.
Or click on each type of debt below to get more information about how you can handle these debts.
Alimony is not dischargeable by Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. In this case, you may want to contact a private attorney.
Contact a Private Attorney
Most of our legal services are available only for people with very low income. If legal aid can’t help, you may want to talk to a private attorney about your legal problem. A lawyer referral service can match you up with an attorney for a small fee. Contact the lawyer referral service office in the county where you are having a legal problem. For more information: Connecticut Bar Association – Find a Lawyer.
Are you having trouble paying your car loan? Here are some resources that may be helpful.
- What should I do if I can’t make my car payments? (consumerfinance.gov)
- Debt Collection: Know Your Rights (ctlawhelp.org)
Child support debt cannot be discharged by bankruptcy.
Here are some articles on CTLawHelp.org that might be helpful to you if you need help with child support.
How to Change Your Child Support Order
If you believe that your child support order is too low (or too high), this article may help. You can get help from the state Child Support Program or do it on your own.
Questions and Answers about Child Support
Child support is usually paid until the child graduates from high school or turns 19, whichever happens first.
Debt from drunk driving fines, criminal fines, and traffic tickets is not dischargeable by Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. In this case, you may want to contact a private attorney.
Contact a Private Attorney
Most of our legal services are available only for people with very low income. If legal aid can’t help, you may want to talk to a private attorney about your legal problem. A lawyer referral service can match you up with an attorney for a small fee. Contact the lawyer referral service office in the county where you are having a legal problem. For more information: Connecticut Bar Association – Find a Lawyer.
Are you having trouble paying your mortgage? Here are some resources that may be helpful.
- Foreclosure: Your Rights and Options (ctlawhelp.org)
- Connecticut Fair Housing Center
- Debt Collection: Know Your Rights (ctlawhelp.org)
- Help for Homeowners and Renters (CT State Dept. of Banking)
Most student loans are not dischargeable by Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. You can learn about:
- Federal Student Aid (US Dept. of Education)
- Federal Student Loan Debt Relief (studentaid.gov)
- Student Loan Forgiveness (studentaid.gov)
Tax debt is not dischargeable by Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. In this case, you may want to contact a private attorney.
Contact a Private Attorney
Most of our legal services are available only for people with very low income. If legal aid can’t help, you may want to talk to a private attorney about your legal problem. A lawyer referral service can match you up with an attorney for a small fee. Contact the lawyer referral service office in the county where you are having a legal problem. For more information: Connecticut Bar Association – Find a Lawyer.
