Any situation leading to bankruptcy may not be happy, but your life can improve afterward. The bankruptcy option was created to give you another chance to live a financially responsible life. Read on for how to make the bankruptcy process be a rebirth instead of financial Armageddon.
If you are considering paying your taxes with credit cards and turning around and filing bankruptcy–they are on to you. In most states, this debt won’t be discharged, and you could end up owing the IRS a whole lot more. The main thing to remember is that dischargeable taxes are the equivalent of dischargeable debts. So, there is no reason to use your credit card if it will be discharged in the bankruptcy.
One critical element for anyone filing a petition for bankruptcy is to be honest in everything you do. Do not try to shield some assets or income from your creditors. This can get you in serious trouble and prevent your bankruptcy petition altogether.
Instead of jumping into a bankruptcy filing, be sure your situation requires it. You have other choices, including consumer credit counseling. Before you take the drastic move of filling for bankruptcy and living with a long lasting bad credit history, make sure to consider using another way that may not be as damaging to your credit.
Prior to filing for bankruptcy, research which assets will remain exempt from creditors. The Bankruptcy Code provides a listing of the various asset types that are not included in the bankruptcy process. It is important that you read this list before filing for bankruptcy, so that can find out whether or not your most prized possessions will be seized. This will ensure that you do not have any surprises once you have filed bankruptcy.
Consider other alternatives before filing for bankruptcy. For example, consumer credit counseling programs can help if your debt isn’t too large. Sometimes you can negotiate a reduced payment, though you must strive to get it all in writing.
Become knowledgeable in regards to details about chapter seven bankruptcy vs. chapter 13 bankruptcy. There is a wealth of information online about each type of bankruptcy and their respective pluses and minuses. If you don’t understand the information you researched, consult with your attorney about the details before you decide which type of bankruptcy you want to file.
Chapter 7
Be certain to grasp the distinction between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases. The Chapter 7 variety can help you eliminate your debts almost entirely. Your responsibilities to your creditors will be satisfied. 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 be aware of the pros and cons of each type of bankruptcy so you can correctly select the best choice for your situation.
Find out more about Chapter 13. If you have a regular source of income and less than $250,000 in unsecured debt, you can file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. When you file for Chapter 13, you can use the debt consolidation plan to repay your debts, while retaining your real estate and your personal property. The length of the plan is generally up to five years, and when this is over, you will be free of unsecured debt. Keep in mind that missed payments will trigger dismissal of your case.
Don’t automatically assume that bankruptcy is your only option. You can get your interest rates reduced or enter into a debt repayment plan. Before you file bankruptcy, ask your attorney if any of these are viable alternatives for you. Loan modification plans can be helpful for those facing foreclosure. The lender may be willing to reduce interest rates, eliminate late charges or extend the life of the loan. Creditors want to recoup the most money possible from debtors, and they can often get more through debt repayment plans than bankruptcy procedures.
As you read in the beginning of this article, bankruptcy is not something anyone looks forward to. However, once this chapter is written it is done and you can begin to start fresh. Actually, if you use the advice and ideas from this article, you will be able to turn bankruptcy into a turning point for your life.