What, if any, debts should I pay prior to filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy?
Always pay your necessities first. Usually this means food and essential medical expenses. Next pay your housing-related bills. Keep up your mortgage or rent payments if at all possible. If you own your home, real estate taxes and insurance must also be paid unless they are included in the monthly mortgage payment. Similarly, any condo fees or mobile home lot payments should be considered a high priority. Failure to pay these debts can lead to the loss of your home. Pay what you must to keep essential utility service. While this may not always require full payment, whatever payments are necessary should be made if at all possible. Working hard to keep your house or apartment makes little sense if it is not livable because you have no utilities. Pay car loans or leases next if you really need your car. You will usually make your car loan or lease payments next after food, housing costs, medical expenses, utilities and clothing. You may even want to pay for the car first if the car is es
