Bankruptcy can be tough. As you look at the hole you’ve dug yourself, you might think there is no escape. Yet even if your credit score is not good there are things you can do to still get the things you want, such as a car or home loan, read on to find out how.
Visit web sites and read information to learn as much as possible about the topic of personal bankruptcy. The United States Department of Justice and American Bankruptcy Institute are two such places to look. Knowing is half the battle, after all, and these websites are the first step in learning what you need to know to make your bankruptcy smooth and stress-free.
Rather than checking online, try to get recommendations from friends or family about a suitable bankruptcy attorney. Don’t be taken in by some fly-by-night company that exists only to profit from the suffering of others. Check out any lawyer you are considering thoroughly before engaging him or her.
Do not consider paying off tax debt with credit cards and filing for bankruptcy afterward. It won’t work. In most states, this is not dischargeable debt. Therefore, you will end up owing the IRS a lot of money. If the tax can be discharged, so can the debt. Because of this, transferring the debt to your credit card is pointless.
If you can, get a word-of-mouth referral for a lawyer. Bankruptcy attracts a lot of fly-by-night firms that take advantage of desperate people, and a word-of-mouth recommendation makes it more likely that your bankruptcy will go smoothly.
It is important to list all your assets and liabilities during the bankruptcy proceeding. Failure to do so will only cause you problems in the end. The professional that helps you file for bankruptcy has to have a complete and accurate picture of your financial condition. Keeping secrets or trying to outsmart everyone is not a wise move.
When filing for bankruptcy it is crucial that you are candid and not concealing any liabilities or assets, as it will only show up in the future. The professional that helps you file for bankruptcy has to have a complete and accurate picture of your financial condition. Be completely honest in your paperwork to avoid a situation that may end in severe punishment.
Keep with what you have decided to do. Once bankruptcy has been filed, you may be able to regain possession of items such as electronic goods or cars that were taken away from you. If your property has been repossessed less than 90 days prior to your bankruptcy filing, there is a good chance you can get it back. Get help from your lawyer to file a petition so you can get your items back.
Don’t pay to for an initial consultation with a bankruptcy attorney, and thoroughly question each candidate. Most lawyers will meet with you for free and give you helpful advice, so meet with several. You should make a final decision only once all of the questions or concerns are sufficiently attended to. You need not decide right away. So, this gives you plenty of time to consult with several attorneys.
Always protect your house. Filing for bankruptcy doesn’t automatically involve losing your home. Check your home’s current value to see if it has gained equity and get your first and second mortgage papers together. Another option is the homestead exemption that has certain income and financial requirements, but may also allow you to keep your home.
There is hope! Filing a bankruptcy petition might facilitate the return of your property, including cards, electronics or other items that may have been repossessed. You should be able to get your possessions back if they have been taken away from you within 90 days before you filed for bankruptcy. Talk to a lawyer for help with the petition filing process.
Chapter 7
Before going through the Chapter 7 filing process, ensure that your co-debtors are abreast of any implications relating to this process. When filing for Chapter 7, you won’t be responsible legally for debt signed by co-debtors and yourself. This does not dissolve any co-signers of the debt, and your creditors will continue to try and collect from them.
Before you even consider filing for bankruptcy, familiarize yourself with the laws surrounding this process. For instance, for 365 days before filing, no one is able to receive assets from the filer. Also, a person cannot legally increase their debt amount on credit cards prior to filing.
Consider other alternatives before filing for bankruptcy. For example, if you only have a little bit of debt, you might be better off if you went through consumer credit counseling. You might also be able to negotiate lower payments yourself, but make sure that you get written records of any debt modifications to which you agree.
Even if you have filed for bankruptcy you now realize that this does not limit you in life forever. Saving your money goes a long way to show your lenders concrete proof that you are serious about reestablishing your credit. Keep adding to your savings and you may be pleasantly surprised when you next seek a auto or home loan.