Filing for bankruptcy is still an option for anyone who has had possessions repossessed by the IRS. Although bankruptcy takes a major toll on credit, sometimes, it is the only option. Pay attention to what this article is teaching you about bankruptcies and their pitfalls.
If you suspect that bankruptcy filing may be a reality, don’t try to discharge all your debt in advance by emptying your retirement or saving accounts. Do not tap retirement accounts unless there is no other alternative. You may need to use some of your savings; however, you should not use all of your savings. Remember that you must safeguard your future financial security.
Don’t look at bankruptcy as a first step. Look at all the other options you may have first. Alternatives do exist, including consumer credit counseling. Your credit record will be harmed by a bankruptcy filing, and therefore prior to making such a decision, it is wise to investigate other options in order to minimize the damage you suffer.
It is essential that you are honest and forthright in the documentation you provide for your bankruptcy filings. You must avoid the temptation to conceal any valuables, money or other assets from the courts. If they find that you have lied, you may be faced with fines, penalties or the inability to file in the future.
Don’t throw in the towel. Once bankruptcy has been filed, you may be able to regain possession of items such as electronic goods or cars that were taken away from you. If you have any property in repossession that was taken less than three months before filing for bankruptcy, then there are good odds that you can get your property back. A qualified bankruptcy attorney can walk you through the petition process.
Consider other alternatives before filing for bankruptcy. For example, you want to look into credit counseling. This is the best option for small debts. Also, you could try to get your payments lowered on your own. If you decide to do this, get a copy of anything you agree to.
Instead of relying on random selections from the phone book or Internet, ask around and get personal recommendations. To handle your bankruptcy, you need a trusted attorney, not a shady one that is out to take your money.
Meet with a few attorneys who offer free consultations before hiring one. Ensure that you have a meeting with a real lawyer instead of an assistant, since they can provide the best advice. Look for a lawyer who you can relate to.
Make sure that you really need to file for bankruptcy. Many times a consolidation loan will ease your financial struggles. There is not easy process associated with personal bankruptcy. Your credit will be impacted for many years. Because of this, filing for bankruptcy should only be used as a last resort.
Chapter 13
Before filing for bankruptcy, hire a qualified attorney. With all the ins and outs of bankruptcies, it can be hard to grasp all the knowledge. Talk to a bankruptcy lawyer, they can help clarify anything that you might have confusion with.
Consider Chapter 13 bankruptcy, if you chose to file. With a consistent income source and less than $250k in debt, try filing for Chapter 13. That kind of bankruptcy allows you to hold on to your personal things and real estate while repaying your debts with a plan to consolidate your debt. Expect to make payments for up to 5 years before your unsecured debts are discharged. Just know that missing one payment could cause your case to be dismissed.
Look into all of your options before you choose to file for bankruptcy. Consult with a bankruptcy attorney to see if an interest rate reduction or debt repayment plan is an alternative to filing for bankruptcy. A plan that can be useful when foreclosure is looming is a loan modification. Your creditors will be willing to work with you to allow you to pay off your debts. They may be able to take late fees off of your account, cut down your interest, or even extend the loan’s repayment period. Creditors want their money. Often, they are willing to work out repayment plans with you in order to get it.
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 feelings do not help you and provide no value. Remembering to stay positive as you go through financial difficulties is a great way to deal with your bankruptcy filing.
Remember to understand the differences between Chapter 7 bankruptcy and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. All debt will be eliminated with Chapter 7. With very few exceptions, the connections between you and your creditors will be severed. A Chapter 13 filing involves a repayment plan, though. Typically, you will make a partial payment against your debts over the next 60 months before the balance of the debts is lifted. It’s important to know what differences come with every type of bankruptcy. This will let you find out what’s best for you.
Do not use credit cards for cash advances prior to filing a bankruptcy petition, as it can affect the dischargeability of the debt. Not only is this fraud, but you could end up having to pay back the money, even once you have filed for bankruptcy.
Don’t wait when you’re thinking about filing for bankruptcy and have been for a while. Although it may be very difficult to admit that bankruptcy is the answer for you, it will be much harder to continue spiraling into a debt quagmire. Take responsibility to talk with a bankruptcy expert sooner, rather than later. The longer you wait, the more difficult the situation can become.
After going through bankruptcy, a lot of people think they are being financially responsible if they shun all forms of credit. Although this may seem plausible, this actually isn’t doing them any good. Without rebuilding your credit through the use of new credit, you will have trouble with future purchases that require good credit. You can rebuild your credit slowly, beginning with just one credit card.
Make sure bankruptcy is truely your only option before filing. You might be able to address your debts by arranging a repayment plan or a reduction in your interest rates. Get professional advice on these matters from a bankruptcy lawyer. For example, if you are in talks of foreclosure, you could use a modified loan to overcome your debt. These plans allow you a longer pay off period by extending the term of the loan, reducing the rate of interest or forgiving late fees. Ultimately, creditors want their money, and many times repayment plans are preferable to a debtor that is bankrupt.
As you can see by now, you do have the option of filing bankruptcy. However, you may wish to avoid it because of what it can do to your credit. Learn all that you can about bankruptcy before you file. That way, you will be prepared to make the best decision for a happy financial future.