Which debts can't be wiped out by bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy is powerful but not unlimited. Debts that generally survive discharge include most federal and private student loans (unless you prove undue hardship in a separate adversary proceeding, which is difficult), recent income taxes and most tax debts, child support and alimony, court-ordered fines and criminal restitution, and debts from fraud or willful injury. Debts you forget to list may also not be discharged. Cosigned debts remain the cosigner's responsibility even if yours is wiped out. Because student loans and tax debt are the two most common surprises, know going in that bankruptcy may relieve your credit cards and medical bills while leaving those obligations intact. An attorney can map exactly which of your debts would be discharged.