Credit Help Forums

Zanzi · #1 08-09-2006, 09:31 AM

Question: If someone declared bankruptcy a while ago and now wants to repay some or all of the debts, would that negate the “clean slate” granted by the BK? In other words, could creditors come after someone for debts that the person wants to pay out of the goodness of his heart even though they have been dismissed – just because s/he has re-opened the account again by making payments on the item?

ferby03 · #2 08-10-2006, 07:49 AM

Hmmm, I have never heard of this. Most people I know would not care about paying off the debts once they have been discharged. I do know someone, however, that filed BK and was making monthly payments on her debts, then decided to get out of it, so the BK is not on her record anymore. Unfortunately, as soon as she did this, the creditors started to hound her again. I'm not sure what would happen if you filed for a complete discharge of your debts, where you don't pay anything back, and then decided to try and pay some.

Zanzi · #3 08-23-2006, 10:05 AM

It is an odd question, I agree. I think that the debts are legally discharged and therefor gone; however, if the debtor himself opens up the case again by making a payment, then I was wondering if it could be seen as accepting the debt all over again. So far, nobody has really been able to give me a good answer on this one.

poorgirl · #4 08-23-2006, 06:01 PM

I wish I could tell you a definate answer, but it seems as if you declared BK it would still remain on your credit even if you paid on them. It would not really benifit you. Its like a settlement or just waiting a while to pay a debt. Even though you finally paid it it is still there. The past is always there until the 7-10 years is up.

r8rpwr · #5 08-24-2006, 06:06 AM

I don't think it would affect the BK in any way, but it's certainly an ethical thing to do, if you so choose.

Avian · #6 09-03-2006, 01:39 PM

That's what it would ultimately come to, whether you wanted to do the ethical thing or not. I don't think that it would help your credit much though, and it might be a justification for your old creditors to come after you.

Raquelita · #7 09-14-2006, 07:00 PM

I think it would vary based on each individual lender - i would contact them and ask about it.