How do I get a discharged debt that is still showing a balance removed from my credit report in California?

To remove a discharged debt's balance from your credit report, you must formally dispute the inaccurate information with each credit reporting agency and provide them with proof of your bankruptcy discharge. Here is a step-by-step guide to correcting the error: Step 1: Gather Your Proof Collect the necessary documents. The most important one is your official Bankruptcy Discharge Order issued by the court. You should also have the bankruptcy schedules that list the specific creditor whose account is being reported incorrectly. Step 2: Obtain Your Credit Reports Request free copies of your credit reports from all three major bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can do this at the official government-authorized site: AnnualCreditReport.com. Review each report and highlight every account that was discharged but is still showing a balance due. Step 3: Send a Formal Dispute Letter Write a dispute letter to each credit bureau that is reporting the incorrect information. Do not use their online forms; a certified letter creates a better paper trail. In your letter, clearly identify the inaccurate account by name and number, state that it was discharged in bankruptcy, and request that it be updated to show a zero balance. Send this letter via certified mail with a return receipt requested. Step 4: Include Copies of Your Documents With your dispute letter, include copies (never send originals) of your Bankruptcy Discharge Order, the relevant page from your creditor schedules, your driver's license, and a recent utility bill to prove your identity and address. Step 5: Follow Up After 30 Days Under both federal law and California Civil Code Section 1785.16, the credit bureau generally has 30 days to investigate and resolve your dispute. If you do not receive a written response with the results of the investigation after 30-45 days, send a follow-up letter. Important Details and Nuances The account itself will not be deleted. It will remain on your credit report for 7-10 years from the bankruptcy filing date, but its status must be updated to "Discharged in Bankruptcy" with a "$0" balance. A creditor who knowingly provides inaccurate information or fails to correct it after a dispute may be violating California Civil Code Section 1785.25(a). Warnings and Limitations If a creditor or debt collector attempts to collect on this debt after it was discharged, they may be violating the bankruptcy discharge injunction and California's Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. If your dispute is ignored or rejected without a valid reason, you may have grounds for legal action. This is general information and does not constitute legal advice. For complex situations or if your dispute is rejected, consult with a qualified California attorney specializing in consumer rights.