Domestic Support Obligation

The Bankruptcy Code provides that a domestic support obligation ("DSO")  is entitled to a priority status. In general, for a claim to be considered as a DSO, it must meet all of the following requirements:
  • owed to a spouse, former spouse, or child of the debtor, or such child's parent or guardian owed to a spouse, former spouse, or child of the debtor, or such child's parent or guardian
  • be in the nature of alimony, maintenance or support
  • established or subject to establishment by reason of a separation agreement, divorce decree, or property settlement agreement or by court order
  • not assigned to a nongovernmental entity unless voluntarily assigned for purposes of collection