Growney v. Growney (In Re Growney)

MEMORANDUM AND DECISION

EDWARD D. HAYES, Bankruptcy Judge.

John and Dolores Growney were divorced on December 15, 1977. By the terms of the divorce decree, John Growney was ordered to pay “all medical, dental, optical and prescription expenses” of the couple’s two children, Maureen and Patrick.

At the time John Growney filed his petition pursuant to Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code, the unpaid medical and dental expenses were $4,251 for Maureen and $327.50 for Patrick. The debtor listed these debts on his petition and sought to have them discharged.

On August 11, 1981, Dolores Growney filed a…