It can be very hard to live with a personal bankruptcy filing. Bankruptcy is an acceptable option if you are in a bad financial situation and have very limited options. Despite a bankruptcy on your record and a dinged credit score, you can often still get loans if you need them.
Lots of people have to claim bankruptcy when their bills are larger than their income. When you are faced with this issue, begin to familiarize yourself with your state’s laws. Different states use different laws when it comes to bankruptcy. Your home is safe in some states, but in others it’s not. You should be familiar with the laws for your state before filing for bankruptcy.
Visit web sites and read information to learn as much as possible about the topic of personal bankruptcy. The United States Department of Justice, NACBA, and American Bankruptcy Institute websites are all great places to go for up-to-date information. You will find that the process of filing for personal bankruptcy is easier and less of a hassle with the more information on the subject you gather ahead of time.
Credit Card
Do not pay your taxes with credit cards that will be canceled when you file for bankruptcy. In most states, this is not dischargeable debt. Therefore, you will end up owing the IRS a lot of money. Transferring the debt to another medium (e.g. a credit card) won’t magically make a tax debt discharagable, either. So using your credit card to pay off your tax obligations, then filing for bankruptcy, can actually hurt you instead of help you.
Before filing for personal bankruptcy, make sure you are doing the right thing. You have other options, including consumer credit counseling help. Bankruptcy will be on your credit report and affect your credit score for many years to come, so it is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Try to use it as a last resort.
If you are feeling like you are seriously going to have to file for bankruptcy then do not clear out your savings. Unless there is no other choice a retirement account should not be used. Although you may need to tap into your savings, you should not use up all of it right now and jeopardize the financial security of your future.
If you are feeling like you are seriously going to have to file for bankruptcy then do not clear out your savings. You should never touch your retirement accounts, unless you have absolutely no choice. Dipping into savings may need to happen, just don’t totally wipe it out, or you might not have much financial security later.
Before declaring bankruptcy, ensure that all other options have been considered. For example, you may want to consider a credit counseling plan if you have small debts. You might also be able to negotiate lower payments yourself, but make sure that you get written records of any debt modifications to which you agree.
Chapter 7
Honesty is of utmost importance during your filing, even though it may be tempting to “pad” your answers a little. Remember that if you hide your valuable assets or income from your bankruptcy trustee, you may risk a number of penalties and complications. Among these is the possibility that you could be blocked from ever filing again.
You may have heard bankruptcy referred to differently, either as Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Learn the differences between the two before filing. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is intended to wipe out all outstanding debts. The ties with the creditor will be broken. Chapter 13, on the other hand, involves a five year payment period before any remaining debts are cancelled. 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.
There are two different kinds of personal bankruptcy you can file for: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. There is a wealth of information online about each type of bankruptcy and their respective pluses and minuses. If you have trouble understanding the wealth of information, talk to your lawyer so he or she can help you make an informed choice.
Do not forget to make quality time for friends and family members. The process for bankruptcy can be brutal. This long and stressful process can leave a person feeling guilt ridden, unworthy and ashamed. A lot of people become depressed and withdrawn until their bankruptcy is discharged. This is not recommended because you will only feel bad and this may cause you to feel depressed. Because of this, you need to make sure you spend as much time as you can with your family and friends, even if you are ashamed of your finances.
Always remind your lawyer of specifics that are important to your case. Don’t assume that they will recall every detail that you go over with them without a friendly reminder. This is your future in their hands, so don’t be scared to mention it.
In time you will leave the effects of bankruptcy behind you and resume your normal life. Saving your money goes a long way to show your lenders concrete proof that you are serious about reestablishing your credit. You will receive more favorable treatment when you apply for a loan if you start saving now.