The release of a debtor from the obligation to repay his or her debts. A bankrupt’s discharge may be automatic, suspended, conditional or absolute. A bankrupt may also be refused discharge.

– Absolute Discharge:
It is effective immediately when it is granted by the Bankruptcy Court and means that you are no longer responsible for the debts you had, except for those Debts “not released” described below.

– Adjourned Discharge:
Any objection to the granting of a discharge order will, in most cases, cause the hearing to be postponed to a later date.

– Conditional Discharge:
Conditions may be imposed by the Court that will have to be met before your discharge becomes absolute. For example, you may have to pay a certain sum of money to the Trustee for distribution to your creditors.

– Suspended Discharge:
The court orders a delay so that the discharge will not be effective until a certain date.

– Refused Discharge:
While the Court has the right to refuse a discharge, it rarely exercises this power.