How do I know if a debt is secured, unsecured, priority or administrative so I can fill out my schedules correctly?

A. Secured Debt

A secured debt is a debt that is backed by property. A creditor whose debt is "secured" has a right to take property to satisfy a "secured debt." For example, most homes are burdened by a "secured debt." This means that the lender has the right to take the home if the borrower fails to make payments on the loan. Most people who buy new cars give the lender a "security interest" in the car. This means that the debt is a "secured debt" and that the lender can take the car if the borrower fails to make payments on the car loan.

B. Unsecured Debt

A debt is unsecured if you have simply promised to pay someone a sum of money at a particular time, and you have not pledged any real or personal property to collateralize that debt. A debt is unsecured if you have simply promised to pay someone a sum of money at a particular time, and you have not pledged any real or personal property to collateralize that debt.

C. Priority Debt

A priority debt is a debt entitled to priority in payment, ahead of most other debts, in a bankruptcy case. A listing of priority debts is given, in general terms, in 11 U.S.C. § 507 of the Bankruptcy Code. Examples of priority debts are some taxes, wage claims of employees, debts related to goods and services provided to a debtor's estate during the pendency of a bankruptcy case, and alimony, maintenance or support of a spouse, former spouse, or child. If you have questions deciding which of your debts are entitled to priority status, you should consult an attorney.

D. Administrative Debt

An administrative debt is also a priority debt and is one created when someone provides goods or services to your bankruptcy estate. The best example of an administrative debt is the fee generated by an attorney or other authorized professional in representing the bankruptcy estate.

E. Consumer Debt

Consumer debt is either secured or unsecured debt incurred by an individual primarily for a personal, family or household purpose. The mortgage on your personal residence is considered consumer debt, however income taxes are not. Debts which are incurred in pursuit of a business would also not be consumer debt.

Back to General Bankruptcy FAQ 

View all Chapter 13 Bankruptcy FAQ  

View all Chapter 7 Bankruptcy FAQ

 View all Bankruptcy Law & Debt Relief Videos