There is hope for a better life after bankruptcy, no matter the unpleasantness that went before. The bankruptcy option was created to give you another chance to live a financially responsible life. By following the tips presented here, you can transform your life through personal bankruptcy.
Be certain you understand all you can about bankruptcy by researching reputable sites that offer good information. You can learn a lot on the U.S. Department of Justice and National Association for Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys provide excellent information. 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.
Filing for bankruptcy is something many people are forced to do when there debts become too much of a burden, and they can no longer afford to pay them. If you find yourself needing to file for bankruptcy it is important to familiarize yourself with the state laws. Every state is different when it comes to dealing with bankruptcy. For example, whether or not you can keep your home, as well as what you need to do to keep it, is different for every state. Before filing for personal bankruptcy, be certain that you are familiar with the laws.
Do not try to get clever by paying your taxes via credit card before you declare bankruptcy in an effort to dodge your tax burden. Most of the time, you cannot discharge this debt. As a result, you will owe the IRS a lot of money. Bear this in mind; if the tax can be discharged, then the debt can be as well. Thus, it doesn’t make sense to use a credit card when it is going to be discharged when you file for bankruptcy.
Secured Card
After filing for bankruptcy, you may have difficulty getting approved for unsecured credit. If this is so, apply for a secured card or two. They offer you the chance to demonstrate the seriousness with which you now take your financial obligations. After using a secured card for a certain amount of time, you might be offered an unsecured card once again.
When you realize that you probably will file for bankruptcy, do not pay your creditors or try to avoid bankruptcy by spending all of your regular or retirement savings. You should not use your retirement savings unless the situation calls for it. You may have withdraw from your savings every now and then, but try to leave yourself some financial security for the future.
Determine which of assets are safe from seizure and which are not before filing for personal bankruptcy. The kinds of assets which may be exempted during bankruptcy proceedings are listed in the Bankruptcy Code. Many belongings may become eligible for repossession or seizure after filing for bankruptcy. This will ensure that you do not have any surprises once you have filed bankruptcy.
Chapter 7
Be certain that you can differentiate between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. If you file using Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you will get all your debts eliminated. You will no longer be liable for any money that you owe to your creditors. Chapter 13 is different, though. This type of bankruptcy entails an agreement to pay off your debts for five years prior to wiping the slate clean. You need to determine which type of bankruptcy is right for you given your unique financial situation.
Try to find a bankruptcy attorney who is personally recommended, rather than off the Internet, or out of the yellow pages. You want your bankruptcy to go smoothly, and the Internet is rife with fly-by-night companies whose only goal is to prey upon the financially desperate.
Most bankruptcy lawyers offer a free consultation, so meet with several before you decide on one. Ensure that you have a meeting with a real lawyer instead of an assistant, since they can provide the best advice. Interviewing multiple attorneys is a good way to find the best fit.
Don’t file for bankruptcy the income that you get is bigger than your bills. Although bankruptcy may feel like a simple method of getting out of your large debt, it leaves a permanent mark on your credit history for up to 10 years.
Don’t let shame consume you during the bankruptcy process. You may need to get credit counseling or simply learn how to balance your budget. These are useless emotions, however, and can be harmful to your mental state. If you are filing for bankruptcy and you are thinking negatively about the situation, make an effort to stop that now.
Never give up. There may still be way to get repossessed items back after you file for bankruptcy. There is a chance that you can get back your property if it has been less than ninety days since repossession. Speak to a lawyer who will be able to help you file the necessary paperwork.
Be certain to be transparent about all of your financial information when the filing of for personal bankruptcy. Overlooking any information can result in a delayed or rejected petition. It is better to have something on there that you are unsure about, rather than not include it at all and risk a dismissal. Include any income from jobs that you do on the side or assets, such as property and vehicles.
Be careful on how you pay your debts before you file a personal bankruptcy. The laws surrounding bankruptcy often prohibit paying back certain creditors up to ninety days prior to filing, and family members up to a year! Find out more about legal requirements before making your decision.
As you read in the beginning of this article, bankruptcy is not something anyone looks forward to. Yet after bankruptcy, you can be happy again. The truth is, that by using the tips in this piece, it is possible to make bankruptcy a positive experience that gives you the fresh start you need.
Many bankruptcy attorneys offer the first consultation with no charge, so consult with several before deciding on one. Just be sure that the person you speak with really is the lawyer, rather than a paralegal, since they cannot legally give advice. By meeting with several attorneys through a free consultation you will be able to choose which attorney you feel more comfortable with.