Nobody thinks they will experience a bankruptcy filing during their lifetime. Bankruptcy is usually a last resort and understanding the process is important. If you see yourself headed towards bankruptcy, the tips contained in the article below will be of great help to you.
People generally mostly feel the need to get a bankruptcy filed for when they have more money owed than they can get. If you have unmanageable debt, you need to familiarize yourself with regional bankruptcy laws. The laws governing bankruptcy vary from state to state. For example, the personal home is exempt from being touched in some states, but not in others. It is important to be cognizant of the laws in your state before filing for bankruptcy.
As bankruptcy appears on the horizon, don’t take your savings or retirement accounts to try to pay off all your bills. Leave your retirement accounts untouched unless there is absolutely no other alternative. If you have to use a portion of your savings, make sure that you save some to ensure that you are financially secure in the future.
If you are considering paying your taxes with credit cards and turning around and filing bankruptcy–they are on to you. Generally speaking, taxes are not a dischargeable debt. The delays caused by this sort of tactic could leave you owing the IRS a great deal in interest and penalties. Keep in mind that if the tax debt is eligible to be discharged, then the credit card debt is also dischargeable. Just because your credit card could be discharged in bankruptcy does not mean you should use it.
A free consultation is standard for bankruptcy attorneys, so shop around before settling on one. Never settle for speaking with a paralegal or an assistant. They are not trained, nor allowed, to pass on legal advice. Be sure to check out a number of lawyers so that you will find one who is just right for you.
Your most important concern is to protect your home. Filing for bankruptcy doesn’t automatically involve losing your home. It depends what your home value is and if there is a second mortgage, as all this stuff comes into play when determining if you can keep the home. It can be worthwhile to understand the homestead exemption law to see if you qualify to keep living in your home under the financial threshold requirements.
Most bankruptcy lawyers offer a free consultation, so meet with several before you decide on one. Meet with the actual lawyer, not a paralegal or assistant, as they’re not allowed to give out legal advice. Be sure to check out a number of lawyers so that you will find one who is just right for you.
Once you clear the hurdle of filing for bankruptcy, live a little, but not too much. So many people become stressed when they file. The stress of dealing with bankruptcy could cause you to fall into a depression, unless you take steps to take care of yourself. While the process is tough, you are getting a chance to start over.
If you are worried about your car being repossessed, consult your attorney about trying to get the monthly payment lowered. Chapter 7 usually can help payments be lowered. The car loan must have been initiated prior to 910 days before your petition. It must carry a loan with high interest. You should also have a steady history of work.
Chapter 7
If you really want to keep your vehicle, speak with your lawyer about possible choices. Filing under Chapter 7 is usually a good way to lower your payments. There are qualifications, such as the loan being high interest and a good work record for this option.
Before you decide to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, consider how it could affect other people on your credit accounts, such as family members or business partners. When filing Chapter 7, you are not longer liable for the debts that you and a co-debtor signed for. But, bear in mind, the debt now becomes the sole responsibility of your co-debtor.
If you find that filing for bankruptcy is the best option for you, be sure that you fully understand the process. The process is anything but simple, and information will become your best friend during this difficult time. Now that you have read the advice shared here with you, you can move forward on the right financial path for you.