{"id":397362,"date":"2026-07-01T09:59:14","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T14:59:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/?page_id=397362"},"modified":"2026-07-01T10:53:12","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T15:53:12","slug":"what-is-an-adversary-proceeding-in-bankruptcy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/what-is-bankruptcy\/what-is-an-adversary-proceeding-in-bankruptcy.html","title":{"rendered":"What Is an Adversary Proceeding in Bankruptcy?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Is an Adversary Proceeding in Bankruptcy?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

An adversary proceeding<\/span> is a lawsuit filed within a bankruptcy case<\/span> to resolve specific legal disputes between debtors, creditors, or the bankruptcy trustee<\/span>. Such disputes may include fraud, objections to debt discharge, fraudulent asset transfers, and property lien validity.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Most bankruptcies involve a lot of paperwork. It starts with filing a claim stating that you cannot pay your debts. Creditors will then review whether they agree or disagree before the judge makes a final decision whether to dismiss or discharge your debts.<\/p>\n

In some cases, creditors have questions about the dischargeability<\/span> of a debt<\/span>. If there are any issues during the bankruptcy proceedings<\/span>, creditors or the debtor can file an adversary proceeding<\/span>.<\/p>\n

What Is an Adversary Proceeding<\/span>?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

An adversary proceeding<\/span> is a lawsuit filed during a bankruptcy case<\/span>. It resolves disputes between debtors and creditors, or creditors and the bankruptcy trustee<\/span>. The U.S. Bankruptcy Code<\/span> permits creditors to challenge many debts someone might claim in a bankruptcy. Common types of <\/span>adversary proceedings<\/span> can include:<\/p>\n