A judge’s recent ruling to discharge a portion of a law school grad’s student loan debt could have major implications for those struggling with insurmountable student loan debt. The law student applied for the loan while she was studying for the bar exam as a student at Pace University Law School in 2009. She received a “bar loan” of $15,000 from Citibank, according to the bankruptcy court documents, and she made payments on the loan until June 2012. But in November 2014, after having failed the bar exam, she filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
She wanted the $15,000 loan to be discharged arguing that it was not an “educational benefit” under the U.S. bankruptcy code. Citibank disagreed, arguing that the loan was an “educational benefit” in the fact that the eligibility for the bar loan was dependent on her being a law student.
But Judge Carla Craig of U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Brooklyn wrote in her decision, “However, this argument could be advanced by the myriad private lenders who provide funds to borrowers who are taking educational or training courses. The fact that [Citibank’s] underwriting standards required [Campbell] to be a law student does not turn an arm’s length consumer credit transaction into a ‘benefit’ within the meaning of [the bankruptcy code],” Craig wrote in her opinion.
Although there have been cases involving student loans where judges have ruled the opposite of Judge Craig, this recent decision may have an effect on future cases. This opinion is a confirmation that these loans should be dischargeable in bankruptcy.
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For borrowers who are struggling with student loan debt, relief options are available. Many student loan borrowers are unaware that they have rights and repayment options available to them, such as postponement of loan payments, reduction of payments or even a complete discharge of the debt. It is important you contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia website at www.miamibankruptcy.com