Living Well 60+ September-October 2014 | Page 9

SEPT/OCT 2014 9 ter 13 offers a grace period. Any debts remaining at the end of the grace period are discharged. Be aware, however, that filing bankruptcy has a dark side. Except in rare instances, it doesn’t discharge debts from mortgages, student loans, taxes, alimony or child support. You can file for bankruptcy for about $300 without a lawyer, but the laws are complicated. “In considering bankruptcy, it’s important to understand the Homestead Exemptions applicable to your state, as those laws may protect your home and your