Facing bankruptcy makes life difficult. When things are tough financially, your credit options are limited. Even without perfect credit, you can still get the loans you need.
If you are meeting with a lawyer to discuss bankruptcy, the initial consultation should be free so ask every question you have. Almost all lawyers will give a free consultation, so meet with more than one before making a decision on whom to hire. Don’t choose a lawyer until your questions about bankruptcy are sufficiently answered. It’s isn’t necessary to make a choice right away. After your consultations, do some additional research on each attorney you consider qualified for the job.
Don’t pay tax requirements with your credit cards with the thought of starting the bankruptcy process afterward, without doing your research first. In most states, this is not dischargeable debt. Therefore, you will end up owing the IRS a lot of money. Rule of thumb is if the tax is dischargeable, then the debt will be dischargeable. This means using a credit card is not necessary, when it will just be discharged.
Consider if Chapter 13 bankruptcy is an option. If you have a regular source of income and less than $250,000 in unsecured debt, you can file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. This allows you to keep possession of your real estate and property and repay your debt through a debt plan. This repayment period usually lasts from three to five years. If you make your payments faithfully during that time, any remaining unsecured debt will be eliminated. Stay mindful that should you for any reason miss even one plan payment, your whole case is going to get thrown out by the court system.
Don’t automatically assume that bankruptcy is your only option. For example, you can always talk with a lawyer to see about different options through creditors or other means that will not require wiping the entire slate clean. If a foreclosure is on your horizon, look into loan modification plans. 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. After all is said and done, your creditors will still want their money. For this reason, you may wish to investigate debt repayment programs in lieu of bankruptcy programs.
Remember to have fun with your life when you’re done with the filing process initially. It’s easy to be stressed during this time. Depression can ensue from the stress if action isn’t taken. Remember that your situation is going to improve after you file for bankruptcy.
Determine which of assets are safe from seizure and which are not before filing for personal bankruptcy. Bankruptcy exemptions are properties may not be seized during bankruptcy. Make sure to review the list before filing a claim so you know if your valuables will be subject to seizure. Without reading the list, you may be shocked at which possessions can be taken from you.
If you really want to keep your vehicle, speak with your lawyer about possible choices. Filing for Chapter 7 can help to lower your monthly payments on possessions such as your vehicle, helping to ease your financial load. In order for this to succeed, you must have bought your car in excess of 910 days before filing, have a higher interest loan for it as well as a consistent work history.
Bankruptcy is not a financial death sentence. By becoming more of a financially responsible individual, creditors will get the picture that you’re trying to dig yourself out of a hole. Make an effort to keep your debts under control, and try for another loan when the time is right.