Filing for bankruptcy is still an option for anyone who has had possessions repossessed by the IRS. Bankruptcy can have a major effect on credit; but, at times, is the only choice. The advice below will provide you with all the information you need to understand the results of choosing to file for bankruptcy.
Have a good look around the Internet to see what information is relevant to you regarding bankruptcy. The United States Some valuable resources include the U.S. Dept of Justice and American Bankruptcy Institute. You need to spend some time gathering valuable information so you can file your bankruptcy with confidence.
Think through your decision to file for bankruptcy carefully before going ahead with it. You can find services like counseling for credit that consumers can use. Before you take the drastic move of filling for bankruptcy and living with a long lasting bad credit history, make sure to consider using another way that may not be as damaging to your credit.
Retirement Funds
When it soaks in that filing for personal bankruptcy, don’t use all of your retirement funds, or all of your savings to resolve insolvency or pay creditors. Unless there are no other options, your retirement funds should never be touched. 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.
It should go without saying, but refrain from lying in your bankruptcy filings. Withholding or lying about certain information can seriously worsen your financial situation. It could lead to being unable to file for bankruptcy or even legal trouble.
Be sure to hire an attorney before you embark upon filing for personal bankruptcy. Filing for bankruptcy is a complicated procedure, and you may not be aware of all the ins and outs. An attorney will make sure that everything is being done correctly.
The two main kinds of bankruptcy are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Make sure you understand them so you know what is best for you. Chapter 7 involves the elimination of all of your debt. Any ties that you have with creditors will be dissolved. But, with Chapter 13, you will be in repayment plan for about 5 years prior to any debts you have being totally dissolved. It’s crucial that you know the differences between all of the various kinds of bankruptcies so that you may choose the best option for your situation.
Safeguard your home. It isn’t inevitable that you will lose your house when you file for bankruptcy. Depending on if your home’s value has gone down or if it has a second mortgage, you might be able to keep it. Otherwise, try looking into house exemptions that may let you remain in the home if you meet certain financial threshold requirements.
Make a comprehensive list of all of your financial information before you file for bankruptcy. If you do not do so accurately, your petition could be dismissed, or at the very least delayed. Even if it’s a small sum, make sure it is listed. This might take the form of odd jobs, extra cars and outstanding personal loans.
Do not forget to make quality time for friends and family members. Bankruptcy proceedings can be extremely harsh. Not only is the process long, but it can be stressful, and many people feel ashamed when they do it. Lots of people think they need to hide from everyone until this is all done. Self-imposed isolation can make you feel worse about it and can cause depression. Remember that it is not your families fault for your financial hardships and use this time to pull together and be strong.
Prior to filing, do not use your credit card to get a cash advance, knowing your debts will be eliminated. Not only is this fraud, but you could end up having to pay back the money, even once you have filed for bankruptcy.
As you can see by now, you do have the option of filing bankruptcy. It is not something that should be done lightly, however, due to the negative effects it can have on one’s 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.