Losing some of your valuable possessions, such as jewelry or vehicles, can make you very fearful. If you want to put an end to the annoying calls, the threatening letters, and other intimidation tactics, filing bankruptcy may be your only out. Read this article for helpful tips that will get you through this process.
Before making the decision to file for bankruptcy, be sure to do some research and learn all you can about the subject. There are many websites available that offer this information. You can learn a lot on the U.S. Justice Department, the ABI (American Bankruptcy Institute), as well as the NABCA (National Assoc. Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys) are excellent sources of information. The more knowledgeable you are, the more you can be sure that you are making the right decision and that you are taking the right steps to ensure your personal bankruptcy goes as smoothly as possible.
Many people find that they must file for bankruptcy protection because they have more debt than they can afford to repay. If this sounds familiar, you should read up on the bankruptcy laws in your state. Each state has their own bankruptcy laws. Your home is safe in some states, but in others it’s not. Before filing for personal bankruptcy, be certain that you are familiar with the laws.
Consider all options before deciding to file for personal bankruptcy. You have other choices, including consumer credit counseling. Bankruptcy stays on your credit for a whole decade, so if there are less drastic options that will solve your credit problems, it is in your best interest to make use of them.
If you know people who have filed for bankruptcy, ask them who they would recommend rather than relying on Internet reviews or worse, just randomly picking someone out of the phone book. There are lawyers out there who will take advantage of your financial state and not deal honestly with you. Make sure your filing process goes as well as possible by finding a trustworthy lawyer.
Prior to filing your bankruptcy petition, go over the list of assets that cannot be seized by creditors. The Bankruptcy Code contains a list of various assets that are excluded from bankruptcy. It is important to be aware of this list so you will know what assets are saved. You may find yourself unpleasantly surprised when the things you value the most are taken from you without warning. This is why it is very important the familiarize yourself with this list.
If a personal recommendation comes your way, this should be a lawyer you focus on. 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.
Before declaring bankruptcy, be sure you’ve weighed other options. For example, if you only have a little bit of debt, you might be better off if you went through consumer credit counseling. You may also find success in negotiating lower payment arrangements yourself, but be certain to get any arrangements with creditors in writing.
There are differences between Chapter 13 bankruptcy and Chapter 7; be sure to familiarize yourself with both. Go to a reputable website and research the benefits and detriments of each type of bankruptcy. If you are confused by what you find, be sure to ask your attorney to explain anything that is unclear before you make your decision about filing.
Make sure that you really need to file for bankruptcy. Consolidation could be the avenue you need to get your finances back in order. Bankruptcy cases are long, anxiety-filled experiences. It will also harm your ability to secure credit in years to come. This is why you must ensure that bankruptcy is the only option left for you.
There is hope! Filing for personal bankruptcy may possibly enable you to reclaim your personal property that have been repossessed, like your car, electronics and jewelry items. Any property repossessed within 90 days before filing bankruptcy, may be able to be returned to you. Discuss your options with a good lawyer who can help you with the filing of your bankruptcy petition.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Consider filing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. If you have a regular source of income and less than $250,000 in unsecured debt, you can file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Not only can you repay your debts through consolidation, personal property can be kept, as well as real estate. The window for Chapter 13 repayments is typically 3-5 years. At the end of this time, any unsecured debt is discharged. Remember that you must make every payment. Missing even one could cause the court to dismiss your case.
If you make more money than what you owe, filing for bankruptcy is not a good option. Remember that the record of your personal bankruptcy filing will be discernible on the report of your credit for as many as 10 years. For this reason, bankruptcy filing should not be taken lightly.
When you do meet with a lawyer make sure that they answer all of your questions and that they do not charge you for consultation alone. Most lawyers offer free consultations, so talk to a few before making your decision. Only make your decision if all your questions and concerns are adequately addressed. You need not decide right away. That gives you the chance to speak to a number of lawyers.
Once your initial filing is complete, it is time to take some time to relax a little. Lots of debtors are stressed out when they’ve come to filing time. The stress of dealing with bankruptcy could cause you to fall into a depression, unless you take steps to take care of yourself. Once your petition is in the hands of the judge, all you can do is wait.
Always look into other options and make personal bankruptcy your last resort. You must remember that some debt consolidation services really are just a scam, and using them will result in even more debt for you. If you must file bankruptcy, learn from your mistakes and become a more conscientious consumer.