Ahh, the American dream. You start with nothing, get an education, work your assets off, and end up rich and successful. But is that really how it goes? Everyone knows that it is absolutely critical that you get a good education in order to get ahead. The average price of a college education can range anywhere from $24,610 to $49,320! So what happens when you have little to no money yet need a college education or advanced degree to live the American dream? Many times, you take out student loans. And sometimes you end up living the American nightmare instead of the American dream. You find yourself drowning in student debt and despair.
Does that mean that you are you destined to drive a truck, work in the factory, be a farmworker, waitress, or work construction forever? Or that you have to always live near the poverty line in order to pay back your student loans?
We don’t think so. We believe that the poor should have access to good financial advice and be empowered with the financial information they need to not be taken advantage of when it comes to student loans or anything else.
Student Loan Debt.
We know that it is difficult to discharge student loan debt in bankruptcy. Most debtors won’t be able to discharge student loan debt through a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 filing. But that does not mean you don’t have any options or possibilities.
The Undue Hardship Test.
Most courts are reluctant to discharge student loan debt. However, if you can qualify for the “undue hardship” exception, you may get your student loans discharged in bankruptcy. To qualify for undue hardship in Oregon, you have to be able to prove to the court that:
- You have no money left over each month to pay your student loans
- Your money problems aren’t going to get any better in the future
- Over the years, you made a good faith effort to repay your student loans.
If you can answer these and other questions honestly, you may be able to qualify to have your student loans discharged.
Defenses to Student Loan Debt.
Another possible source of relief from student loan debt lies in unfair and illegal treatment. If you have defenses, such as a breach of contract, unfair business practices or fraud against your loan companies, you may not have to pay the debt at all.
Learn Your Options.
When it comes to student loan debt, there is no magic wand you can waive to get rid of them. But that does not mean you do not have hope or options. We are Oregon and Washington bankruptcy attorneys. We offer free consultations and we can help you. To set up an appointment, call us toll free at: 1-800-682.9568.