It’s not uncommon for people to look down on others who choose bankruptcy, but one day find themselves in the same situation. Major life changes, including divorce and job loss can quickly cause a financially stable person to become insolvent, forcing him to file for bankruptcy. If you find yourself in this position, the following article will be of great assistance.
Credit Card
Visit web sites and read information to learn as much as possible about the topic of personal bankruptcy. You can learn a lot on the U.S. DOJ, along with a number of other bankruptcy institutes and attorneys specializing in bankruptcy can give you invaluable information. The more you know, you can be confident you are choosing the right thing and that you are taking the right road to make sure your bankruptcy proceeds as easily as possible.
Don’t think that loading up your credit card with tax debt and then filing for bankruptcy is an answer either. Most places will not consider the debt dischargeable, meaning you will have to pay the IRS a lot of money. If the tax can be discharged, so can the debt. So, there is no reason to use your credit card if it will be discharged in the bankruptcy.
As bankruptcy appears on the horizon, don’t take your savings or retirement accounts to try to pay off all your bills. No matter what you do, do not touch your personal savings unless there is no other option. If you do have to dig into your savings, make sure that you leave enough to sustain you and your family for a couple of months.
Do not hesitate to remind your lawyer of any details regarding your case. Do not assume that if you’ve already told him or her something important once, that they will remember it later without a reminder. Your case and future are affected by the attorney’s action, so never be afraid to communicate.
After you have declared bankruptcy, you may have a hard time being approved for unsecured credit. Look into getting a secured credit card in order to get back on your feet with building credit. This will prove that you want to improve your credit score. After a while, you may be able to get unsecured credit again.
Secured Card
Be warned that after your bankruptcy, you may stand out as a leper to credit institutions. You may be unable to get a simple credit card. If this is so, apply for a secured card or two. They offer you the chance to demonstrate the seriousness with which you now take your financial obligations. If you pay your secured card off on time, you’ll eventually find that companies will start offering you unsecured credit.
Try going to a personally recommended bankruptcy lawyer instead of using a phone book or the Internet. There are way too many people ready to take advantage of financially-strapped individuals, so you must ascertain that your attorney can be trusted.
It is a good idea for you to hire a bankruptcy to handle your bankruptcy process. It is unlikely that you will be able to comprehend all the various rules and regulations involved in bankruptcy law. When you engage the services of a bankruptcy lawyer, you can be assured of getting the help your need to proceed correctly.
Prior to declaring bankruptcy you really need to be sure that you’ve exhausted all your other options first. For example, if you only have a little bit of debt, you might be better off if you went through consumer credit counseling. You may also find people will allow you to make lower payments. If that happens, get records of the debt modifications.
Chapter 7
Be certain that you can differentiate between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Chapter 7 bankruptcy completely wipes out your debt. Any ties that you have with creditors will be dissolved. 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 is important that you understand the differences between the different types of bankruptcy, so that you can decide which option is best for you.
Before making the decision to file for bankruptcy, be sure you have considered alternative options. For example, consumer credit counseling services can often help you figure out a workable repayment plan with creditors. You may also find success in negotiating lower payment arrangements yourself, but be certain to get any arrangements with creditors in writing.
Most bankruptcy lawyers offer a free consultation, so meet with several before you decide 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.
It is important to understand clearly the benefits of a Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy. By researching each type, you can begin to understand which method is right for you. If you do not understand what you are reading, talk to your attorney before making that serious decision.
If you can afford to pay your bills, bankruptcy is not a wise option. Although bankruptcy may feel like a simple method of getting out of your large debt, it leaves a permanent mark on your credit history for up to 10 years.
If you have fears that you will lose your car, ask your lawyer about the possibility of lowering your car payments. Sometimes, as part of the bankruptcy filing, your auto loan can be restructured so that you pay less each month. There are certain requirements and restrictions such as a loan that has a high interest rate, cars purchased 910 days before you file, and a steady job history that can help you keep your vehicle.
Before you file for bankruptcy, make sure you understand your rights. You might hear from your creditors that your debts cannot be canceled through bankruptcy. There are only three main classes of debts that are non-dischargable: taxes, child support and student loans. If a collector tells you your debt won’t be discharged in your bankruptcy and you know that it will, report the collector to the attorney general’s office in your state.
It is important to understand that a bankruptcy more beneficial to your credit than multiple overdue or missed payments on debt. Of course, bankruptcy hurts your credit for up to ten years, but you can begin to re-build your credit immediately. Among the advantages of bankruptcy is that of a clean slate.
An attorney who specializes in bankruptcy law can be a good investment if you find yourself thinking about filing. A legal professional can help quell any confusion you have about the process. Your lawyer will take care of the paperwork and help you understand what this process means for you.
Consider your options before deciding to file personal bankruptcy. For example, you may want to think about credit counseling. There are various non-profit companies that may be able to help you. They can help you to lower both your debts and interest owed to creditors. You pay them and then they pay the creditors.
Look all paths you can take to get control of your financial debts before making the choice to file for bankruptcy. Do not let this situation cause too much stress for you. You will see treasured information in the article that follows.