Who decides if You 'deserve' to have debts erased?

Clients are often under the misapprehension that a judge or jury will be weighing the merits of their case.  Clients worry that someone will decide if they ‘deserve’ to have their debts discharged. That is simply not the case. So long as you do not perjure yourself or commit fraud, you are entitled to be discharged of your debts.  You may have to pay a Chapter 13 plan.  You may have to surrender non-exempt assets.  But, our Constitution, the laws of the State of Georgia, and the Title 11 of the United States Code (the Bankruptcy Code) provide the same path to a fresh start to everyone–regardless of how he or she got into his or her predicament. You and I will be extensively discussing all of the circumstances that put you in my office.  I am here to help you understand the code and to get you back into your life.  I am not here to judge you.  I have a duty to protect you and to advocate on your behalf.  The court is not here to judge you.  You may feel guilty before we meet–I will relieve you of that feeling. These are trying times for our country and for millions of Americans. There but by the Grace of God go we…