The Debts That Cannot Be Discharged through Bankruptcy

Through his firm in Canton, Georgia, E. Michael Vereen III provides representation in a wide range of criminal and civil cases. Over the years, many people have turned to E. Michael Vereen III for representation during the bankruptcy process.

People may declare bankruptcy for a number of reasons, but the goal of the process is the same: discharging debts. A discharge means that creditors lose any right to take action against the debtor. However, not all debts can be discharged, and other debts are very difficult to get discharged. Understanding the limitations of the bankruptcy process is critically important.

The United States Bankruptcy Code lists 21 categories of debt that cannot be discharged through bankruptcy. The most common of these include child support and alimony. Also, people who file Chapter 7 must still pay cooperation association and condominium fees. Income tax debts can only be discharged under certain circumstances.

Student loans are often inquired about during the bankruptcy process. While it is possible to discharge these loans, it can prove extremely difficult. To earn a discharge, individuals must prove undue hardship expected for the majority of the debtor’s life.

E. Michael Vereen III (770) 345-9449 vereenlaw.com.

An Interview with Michael Vereen

Attorney Michael Vereen has made a successful career of providing legal representation to individuals throughout the state of Georgia. Below, Mr. Vereen shares more about his areas of expertise, his practice, and his cases.

Q: Describe your education and experience.

Michael Vereen: I take pride in having a degree from Atlanta's own Emory School of Law. I graduated in 1989, earning my Juris Doctor and Master of Laws. I joined the Georgia Bar the same year, and I have remained a member in good standing since that time.

Q: Most lawyers tend to focus on one or two areas of expertise in order to create a niche for themselves. In what areas do you excel?

Michael Vereen: Early on, I decided to emphasize bankruptcy law in particular. I am also well versed in DUI laws and different facets of criminal law. Additionally, I have considerable experience handling personal injury matters and automobile accidents. Those legal areas can be difficult to navigate, so clients can trust that my 20-plus years of experience will serve them well.

Q: Besides expertise in your chosen areas of interest, what do you offer clients that other attorneys may not?

Michael Vereen: Since beginning my career after graduation, I vowed to do more than simply win cases for my clients. When facing legal difficulties, many people want more than a lawyer; they want someone sympathetic to their situation and personal feelings. The individualized services I offer go a long way in establishing the powerful foundation of trust that should exist between attorneys and clients. I feel that trust has defined my career, and I take great pride in that.

Q: In your free time, what do you enjoy doing outside of the courtroom?

Michael Vereen: I have a wife and three children who keep me quite busy. To stay involved with my kids, I coach youth sports teams such as baseball and basketball. I also enjoy spending time in my backyard working on my garden.