Personal bankruptcy may be the right option for folks who have had property seized by the IRS. While bankruptcy is a big hit to your credit history, it can be the only option. Check out the following tips to see what filing for bankruptcy entails and what can happen if you do.
Ensure that you are providing genuine details when filing a bankruptcy petition, because honesty is the best policy when dealing with bankruptcy. Not hiding any assets or income is essential for avoiding possible penalties and your ability to re-file at some point in the future.
Prior to filing for bankruptcy, be sure you have investigated all of your alternatives. You can also avail yourself of other options, such as 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.
It’s not uncommon to learn soon after bankruptcy that you are unable to get an unsecured credit card easily. If this happens to you, think about applying for a couple of secured credit cards. This at least shows you are making an honest attempt at reestablishing your credit worthiness. It will take time, but when creditors see a pattern that satisfies their need to see your good faith with payments, you will then be able to apply for unsecured cards.
If you can, get a word-of-mouth referral for a lawyer. There are many companies who take advantage of financial desperation; that is why it is important that you get someone that is trustworthy.
Before you decide to file bankruptcy, be sure to check for any new laws that may apply to your case. Bankruptcy laws are in constant flux, so just because you knew the law last year doesn’t mean that the laws will be the same this year. To learn about any changes, search the Internet or contact your state’s legislative office.
No good will come of trying to conceal your assets or your liabilities in the bankruptcy process; you want to be scrupulously honest when you declare bankruptcy. Penalties may include fines, imprisonment or denial of the filing. Lay everything out on the table so that you and your lawyer can devise a plan to get you out of this mess.
Seek a less serious option prior to filing for bankruptcy. You could find relief from small debts by using a consumer credit counselor. You can also talk to creditors and ask them to lower payments, but be sure to get any debt agreements in writing.
Repayment Plans
Filing for bankruptcy should not be done on a whim. You may qualify for alternatives such as debt repayment plans or interest rate reductions. Ask your bankruptcy attorney about these options. For example, if you are in talks of foreclosure, you could use a modified loan to overcome your debt. The lender is able to help you in a number of ways, such as reducing interest rates, eliminating late charges, and even lengthening the loan, giving you more time to pay. Because of the fact that creditors would like to see their money they are likely to offer repayment plans versus not getting paid at all if you file for bankruptcy.
Ensure that you bankruptcy is your best choice. You may be able to manager gets more easily by consolidating them. Filling for bankruptcy could be a long and stressful process. It will have a major effect on your credit as time goes on. Therefore, you need to be sure that you really have no other option than to file for bankruptcy.
Be careful on how you pay your debts before you file a personal bankruptcy. There are many laws when it comes to bankruptcy, including prohibition of paying some creditors 90 days before you file, as well as family for a whole year. Find out more about legal requirements before making your decision.
If you think you have to file a petition for bankruptcy, get a lawyer who specializes in bankruptcy. An attorney can assist you both in ascertaining if bankruptcy is what you need and dealing with the court appearance. Attorneys can prepare your documents and help you with any concerns you may have.
If you find a job right before filing your bankruptcy papers, and finally have a steady income, you may still want to file for bankruptcy. Filing for personal bankruptcy may still be the best idea even in their current circumstances. When you choose to file can make a big difference. If the bankruptcy filing gets posted before the job begins, this added income will not be taken into account when determining how you will repay the money.
Be aware of the fact that you may be under a great of stress while you deal with your bankruptcy. In order to keep things together and protect yourself from excess stress, be sure to hire a competent attorney. Do not hire based on cost. It may be not be necessary to hire a costly attorney; just make sure he or she is qualified to handle your case. Make sure people who have experienced bankruptcy give your referrals. If you wish, you can attend a bankruptcy hearing and witness your attorney in action.
As was stated before, the option of filing for personal bankruptcy should be kept open. However, it has detrimental effects on your credit, so this should not be your first choice Arming yourself with knowledge is a good way to protect assets and approach the process wisely.