When you decide to file for personal bankruptcy, it is a very serious decision that should not be entered into lightly. Use this article’s advice to learn what you are in for and how to make proper choices. Find out all the information you can before filing for bankruptcy.
Don’t use credit cards to pay your taxes if you’re going to file bankruptcy. In many parts of the country, you cannot get this debt discharged, and in the end you will be left owing the IRS a big sum of money. Remember that if you can discharge the tax you can discharge the debt. Therefore, you should not pull your credit card out for purchases if it is just going to be discharged during the bankruptcy.
Make sure you keep reminding your attorney about any important details in your case. Many times a lawyer may forget a key detail; therefore, it is important to remind your lawyer of any key information. Don’t be afraid to speak up, as it is your case and your future will be affected by its outcome.
One of the most important things to remember when filing for bankruptcy is to be honest and truthful every step of the way. Not hiding any assets or income is essential for avoiding possible penalties and your ability to re-file at some point in the future.
Be sure to remind your lawyer if it seems that some details of your situation are forgotten. Just because you have told him something of importance that he will remember it. This is your future in their hands, so don’t be scared to mention it.
Credit Cards
Do some research to find out which assets you could lose by filing for personal bankruptcy. Check the bankruptcy laws in your state to find out if certain items are excluded from your bankruptcy filing. It is crucial to read the list before you file for bankruptcy so you know whether your favorite items will be taken. If you don’t read it, you could have nasty surprises pop up later due to your prized possessions being seized.
After a bankruptcy, you may not be able to receive any credit cards. If this happens to you, think about applying for a couple of secured credit cards. That will show lenders that you are committed to rebuilding your credit. Eventually, you could be able to obtain unsecured credit.
Rather than checking online, try to get recommendations from friends or family about a suitable bankruptcy attorney. There are various companies that prey on the financially desperate, so you need to find someone you can trust to ensure the process goes smoothly,
Don’t throw in the towel. You might even be able to get back secured property that has been repossessed in the 90 days before filing. If it has been fewer than 90 days since you filed for bankruptcy, it is possible for you to get repossessed property back. Consult with a lawyer that can walk you through the filing process.
Do not give up 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. If the property you own has been repossessed under 90 days before the bankruptcy filing, you may still be able to get it back. Speak with your attorney about filing the correct petition to get your property back.
Before you file, make sure you understand current bankruptcy laws. The laws change a lot, so you need to look them up and have a better idea of how to properly approach the bankruptcy process. To learn about the changes, you should check out the website of your state’s legislation or you can call their office.
Unsecured Debt
Consider Chapter 13 bankruptcy, if you chose to file. If you are receiving money on a regular basis and your unsecured debt is under $250,000, you may be able to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy. By filing this way, you can hold onto your home and property, while repaying debts through debt consolidation. Typically, this goes on for roughly three to five years, and once this time has expired, your unsecured debt is eliminated. However, if you miss even one payment, the court will dismiss your entire case.
It’s a good idea to meet with a number of bankruptcy lawyers before settling upon one. The majority of them offer free initial consultations. Make sure that you meet with an actual lawyer and not an assistant or paralegal, as these people are not allowed to provide legal advice. By shopping lawyers, you will be more likely to find one that makes you comfortable about the process.
Consider all options before filing for bankruptcy. There are many recouses available to help you lower your payments and get back on track. For example, if you are in talks of foreclosure, you could use a modified loan to overcome your debt. Sometimes your lender will work with you to help pay off your debt by giving you a lower interest rate, forgiving late fees, or extending the time period of your loan. Making arrangements with the creditors to make reasonable payments towards you debt is a much better plan than bankruptcy because the lender simply wants the loan repaid.
As shown in this article, bankruptcy doesn’t happen overnight. There are a lot of things that need to be done and done correctly. If you follow the advice given here, you’ll be able to make sure you have everything in order for when you file bankruptcy.