Can You Wipe Out Your
Student Loans in Bankruptcy? Most People Get This Wrong.
Lenders won't tell you this. Find out if you qualify for relief in 60 seconds.
Many people believe student loans are stuck with them for life. While it's not always straightforward, recent legal changes mean discharge is possible for some borrowers — especially under Chapter 7. Take our 60-second quiz to see if your situation may qualify.
No legal jargon
Under 60 seconds
100% confidential
FL & PA attorneys
Question 1 of 5
Step 1 — Loan Type
What type of student loans are you dealing with?
This determines which discharge rules apply to your situation.
Step 2 — Repayment History
How long have you been required to make payments on these loans?
Courts consider repayment history when evaluating hardship claims.
Step 3 — Financial Hardship
Does making your loan payments prevent you from covering basic living expenses?
This is a key part of the Brunner Test courts use to evaluate discharge eligibility.
Step 4 — Financial Outlook
Is your current financial situation likely to stay the same for a significant portion of your repayment period?
Courts look for long-term hardship, not just a temporary rough patch.
Step 5 — Collection Status
Has your lender taken any collection actions, such as garnishing your wages?
Active garnishment may actually strengthen your case for a discharge review.
Analysis Complete
There May Be a Path to Relief for Your Student Debt.
Based on your answers, there is a possibility that your student loan debt could be reduced or discharged under current bankruptcy guidelines. However, your specific loan types, timing, filing history, and other details can severely affect the outcome — so a full review with an attorney is still important.
Get Your Personalized Analysis
We can give you a more precise answer based on your full situation. Where should we send it?
A phone number helps our team reach you faster for follow-up.
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Your personalized analysis is on its way to your inbox. Want answers right now? Book a free call with our team — no obligation, no pressure.
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Serving clients across Florida & Pittsburgh
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Free consultations available
Updated for 2026 guidelines
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How It Works
Three Steps to Know Where You Stand
No paperwork. No appointments. No pressure. Just a clear picture of whether student loan discharge in bankruptcy could be an option for you.
01
Take the 60-Second Quiz
Answer 5 plain-English questions about your loan type, repayment history, and financial situation. No login required.
02
Get Your Personalized Analysis
We'll review your responses and send a personalized breakdown of your potential eligibility — direct to your inbox.
03
Book a Free Consultation
If your situation looks promising, schedule a no-cost call with one of our bankruptcy attorneys to go over your full case in detail.
04
We Fight for Your Fresh Start
If you qualify, our team handles the filing process — from start to discharge — so you can focus on rebuilding your financial life.
Why Van Horn Law Group
Different By Design. Better By Every Measure.
No Jargon, Ever
We explain every step in plain English. You'll always know exactly where your case stands and why.
Real Attorneys on Your Case
We never pass important work to unqualified staff. Your case is handled by licensed attorneys who care.
Affordable Fees, Always Upfront
No hidden costs. No surprises. We offer transparent, affordable legal services for people facing real financial hardship.
Fast, Responsive Team
Walk-ins welcome. Quick response times. We move at the pace your situation demands — especially when wages are on the line.
Multiple Locations
Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Miami Lakes, and Pittsburgh — with virtual consultations available nationwide.
Inc. 5000 Recognized
Ranked among the fastest-growing private companies in Florida — a testament to results-driven client service since 2012.
Common Questions
Student Loan Bankruptcy — What You Need to Know
Answers to the most common questions about student loan discharge, the Brunner Test, and what Chapter 7 means for your debt.
Can student loans be discharged in bankruptcy?
Yes — in some cases. While student loans are not automatically discharged in bankruptcy, a 2022 DOJ/DOE policy change made it significantly easier. You must file a separate adversary proceeding and demonstrate undue hardship, typically using the Brunner Test.
What is the Brunner Test for student loan discharge?
The Brunner Test has three parts: (1) you cannot maintain a minimal standard of living if forced to repay the loans, (2) this hardship is likely to persist, and (3) you made good-faith efforts to repay. Meeting all three is the key to discharge eligibility.
Does bankruptcy clear both federal and private student loans?
Private student loans are often easier to discharge than federal loans, as they may not qualify as "qualified education loans" under the tax code. Federal loans require meeting the undue hardship standard, but recent policy changes have made courts more receptive to these claims.
Can I stop wage garnishment for student loans with bankruptcy?
Yes. Filing for bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay, which immediately halts most collection actions — including wage garnishment. This relief goes into effect the moment you file, even before a discharge is granted.
How is student loan forgiveness different from bankruptcy discharge?
Forgiveness (like PSLF or income-driven plans) is a federal program that cancels debt after meeting specific criteria over many years. Bankruptcy discharge is a legal process that eliminates debt through the court system — and may happen faster for qualifying borrowers.
How long does a student loan bankruptcy case take?
The timeline varies. Chapter 7 cases typically resolve in 3–5 months. An adversary proceeding for student loan discharge adds additional time, but the automatic stay provides immediate relief from collection once you file. Our team will walk you through the full timeline during your consultation.
Client Stories
Real People. Real Results.
★★★★★
Van Horn Law Group made this process very comfortable and reassuring. There are quite a few steps and everyone on the team went out of their way to be accommodating.
Verified Client
Fort Lauderdale, FL · Trustpilot
★★★★★
I was nervous at first and didn't know what to expect. Thanks to the team, my experience was great. They were clear and helpful from the beginning — no hidden fees, no runaround.
Verified Client
Miami, FL · Google Reviews
★★★★★
Easy to work with. Got the exact results I was hoping for. The whole process took about 6 months. I'm very pleased with the communication and the outcome.
Verified Client
West Palm Beach, FL · Trustpilot
Take the First Step Today
Don't Let Student Debt Define the Rest of Your Life.
Relief may be closer than you think. Take our free 60-second quiz and find out whether student loan discharge is a real option for your situation — no commitment required.