The one-sentence version
Schedule H lists every other person who is jointly liable on any debt you list on Schedules D or E/F - because your bankruptcy doesn't wipe out their obligation to pay, and they're entitled to know the case is happening.
What's on the form
A simple table: for each codebtor, list their name and address, then identify the specific creditor (from your Schedule D or E/F) for which they're also liable.
Who counts as a codebtor
- Co-signers on a loan you took out
- Joint account holders on a credit card you both used
- Guarantors on a business or personal loan
- A spouse who is not also filing - on any joint debt
- An ex-spouse - if a debt from the marriage is still in both names
- Joint borrowers on a mortgage or car loan
- Anyone else jointly and severally liable on a debt you owe
Why this matters
Your discharge only releases you from the obligation to pay. The creditor can still pursue any codebtor for the full amount.
If you and your sister co-signed a $20,000 student loan and you discharge your half:
- The creditor cannot pursue you for the $20,000.
- The creditor can pursue your sister for the full $20,000.
- If she pays, she has a separate state-law claim against you for indemnification - but that claim was created before your bankruptcy and is itself dischargeable.
Watch out: This is the part most filers don't think about until it's too late. Discharging a debt that has a co-signer can hand the creditor a clear path to your friend, family member, or ex. Tell co-signers before you file so they're not blindsided. Some filers choose to keep paying a single co-signed debt voluntarily after discharge to protect the co-signer's credit.
The community-property complication
In community-property states (Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin - plus Alaska if you opt in), debts incurred during marriage are generally community debts that both spouses owe even if only one signed. If only one spouse files for bankruptcy in a community-property state, the non-filing spouse:
- Often gets some indirect protection through the "community discharge" doctrine (creditors typically can't pursue community property after the filing spouse's discharge); but
- Can still be pursued personally for their separate property and post-discharge earnings.
The non-filing spouse should be listed on Schedule H for any community debt.
Good to know: A creditor that learns of a codebtor often goes after them quickly once the original debtor files. Codebtors get separate written notice of the bankruptcy and may want to talk to a lawyer about their options - including potentially filing their own bankruptcy if their share of the joint debt is unaffordable.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting an old joint account with an ex - especially if you split up years ago but never had the account closed out of both names.
- Listing authorized users as codebtors. An authorized user on a credit card isn't legally liable for the balance - they don't go on Schedule H.
- Forgetting joint medical debt when both parents signed for a child's care.
- Listing your spouse only on a separate line instead of also matching them to each specific debt.
- Skipping a codebtor's address. They need to receive the notice; an incomplete address means missed notice.
Related forms
Schedule H mirrors creditors from Schedule D and Schedule E/F. See the complete forms index, and the section on community property in When DIY is a bad idea.