Medical debt is one of the leading causes of excess debt in the US. Even when covered under medical insurance, many NJ residents find themselves facing bankruptcy as they struggle under
the pressure of medical debts. Bankruptcy can seem intimidating, but it can be a great way to get a fresh start if you find yourself struggling to pay back medical debts. Whether you choose to fully discharge these debts under Chapter 7 bankruptcy or enter into a more manageable repayment plan with a Chapter 13 New Jersey bankruptcy reorganization, filing for bankruptcy can set you on the path to financial health.
Bankruptcy is meant to allow people to move forward from previous financial mistakes or setbacks.
What about plastic surgery debt?
While it is true that plastic surgery is a medical procedure, it is elective and that choice makes the difference when filing for bankruptcy. Plastic surgery is considered a luxury debt. Luxury debts include any goods or services you purchase with a credit card that are not considered necessary to the maintenance of you or your dependents. Also in this category are jewelry, home décor, beauty products/services, vacations, electronic devices, and even alcohol. It is important to include any luxury debt when you file for bankruptcy, but that doesn’t mean these debts will be discharged.
The timing of the purchase of these products and services is what is crucial to whether or not they will be discharged in your bankruptcy case. In NJ, if the debt was accrued within the 60 days immediately before you file for bankruptcy, it is within the right of the credit card company to refute your claim. The credit card company could argue that you made the purchase using credit you had no intention of paying back. This is called constructive fraud, or fraud that occurs when a debtor’s actions imply fraud even if their intentions weren’t to commit fraud. Any luxury purchases totaling $1,150 or more made in the 60 days just prior to your bankruptcy is filed could be scrutinized as constructive fraud.
There are a plethora of myths and misconceptions surrounding bankruptcy proceedings. Turn to an expert when you have questions.
If either your credit card company or plastic surgeon decide to sue for nondischargeability of the debt, you will become the defendant in a lawsuit. It will be your responsibility to prove to the court that the purchase was necessary. You will also have a chance to defend yourself against the suit if you can prove you had the intention to repay the debt and show that you made an effort to do so before filing for bankruptcy. If the court decides this purchase was unnecessary—or that it was considered fraudulent—your plastic surgery debt will be deemed non-dischargeable and you will still be responsible for paying off this debt.
Luckily, this only applies to luxury debt accrued within the 60 days before filing for bankruptcy. It is very likely that debt from plastic surgery accumulated before the preceding 60 days will be included as dischargeable debt in the final decision for your bankruptcy case. Whether the plastic surgery debt was from elective surgical or non-surgical medical procedures should not make a difference in making it eligible to be discharged under either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is meant to allow people to move forward from previous financial mistakes or setbacks, and plastic surgery debt is no exception.
There can be a lot of
myths and misconceptions surrounding bankruptcy proceedings. Veitengruber Law is experienced in providing full-service debt relief solutions. We understand the stress caused by seemingly insurmountable debt and we work hard to offer solutions to even the most difficult financial problems. We know that bankruptcy is not the end of the line, but a chance for our clients to get back on their feet and on the road to financial health. We offer customized bankruptcy analysis based on your specific goals and financial needs.
Call us today at 732-852-7295 for your free, no-obligation consultation with our experienced team of bankruptcy experts.