When a debt is discharged in bankruptcy, the debtor is relieved of the obligation to repay the debt. Debts that are not discharged must still be paid, even after the debtor is granted a discharge by the Bankruptcy Court. 

Under the federal Bankruptcy Code, 19 categories of debts are excepted from discharge in bankruptcy. Certain exceptions to discharge apply automatically. Other types of debts are not automatically excepted from discharge, requiring the creditor to commence a proceeding in the Bankruptcy Court to have the debt deemed nondischargeable.