investigations | January 19, 2026

Can you get a divorce during a bankruptcy?

If you are involved in a chapter 13 bankruptcy and decide to file for divorce during the repayment period, you can choose to cancel or restructure the bankruptcy plan. By canceling, you agree to stop the agreed upon payment plan; however, all debt you and your spouse have assumed will still be your responsibility.

What should I do before filing for divorce?

Top 10 Things to Do Before You File For a Divorce

  • Never Threaten to Divorce Until You Are Ready To File.
  • Organize Your Documents.
  • Focus on Your Children.
  • Make Sure You Have Three Months of Financial Resources.
  • Obtain the Best Legal Advice You Can Get.
  • Make Sure You Have Available Credit.

Is it better to file bankruptcy before or after a divorce?

If you and your spouse file a joint bankruptcy you’ll save money on filing fees and the cost of hiring a lawyer. However, since your household income will be determined by what both you and your spouse earn, filing bankruptcy before your divorce could mean that your income is too high for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Can a couple file for bankruptcy at the same time?

A joint bankruptcy filing requires cooperation between the spouses, but it can significantly streamline the divorce process, reducing legal fees and time commitment for both parties. In many states, a couple filing for bankruptcy can keep a larger portion of their assets than they would when filing for bankruptcy individually, after a divorce.

What happens if I file for bankruptcy first?

If you file for bankruptcy first, you and your spouse will only have to pay one filing fee and can share the legal fees of your bankruptcy attorney. Filing for bankruptcy first can also make the property division portion of your divorce case simpler. In a normal divorce, the court will divide both the assets and the debts.

When is the best time to file bankruptcy?

One of the biggest factors in deciding when to file bankruptcy (before or after divorce) is the type of bankruptcy you want to file. If your bankruptcy is a simple Chapter 7 bankruptcy, then filing it before your divorce may be the best option.