When you file for bankruptcy, you should list every debt you have. The court cannot discharge debts that you do not include in your paperwork.
There may be situations where you do not wish to discharge a debt, such as your car loan. If you wish to keep your vehicle through the bankruptcy, you should still list it in your paperwork, but you will also need to reaffirm the debt.
Reaffirmation process
The U.S. Department of Justice explains that reaffirming a debt means signing documents that state you will pay the debt despite the bankruptcy. When you sign the document, it is like resigning your original loan paperwork in that it commits you to the same terms and conditions to repay your debt and secure the debt with the vehicle as collateral.
Important points
You should understand that reaffirmation is voluntary. You do not have to do it. You are free to end the loan and give up your vehicle. This is important to understand since it becomes a valid debt again that the creditor may collect against you after your bankruptcy discharge.
The court will have to accept the agreement. If it feels the loan payment will cause a financial burden to you, then it may not accept it. You should never enter into an agreement if you do not feel you can stay current on payments.
You can change your mind up to your bankruptcy discharge or 60 days after signing the document if that comes before the discharge. Keep in mind that it is not a legally binding document until the court approves it.