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Tips For Filing Chapter 7 And Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Personal bankruptcy–the process can be complex and confusing. There are different types of bankruptcy, and the type that you choose depends upon your personal finances and the nature of your debts. You should learn as much as possible about personal bankruptcy if you are trying to make a decision to file or not. The following tips can help you get started.

Have a good look around the Internet to see what information is relevant to you regarding bankruptcy. The United States Department of Justice, the American Bankruptcy Institute and the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, all provide valuable information. Knowing is half the battle, after all, and these websites are the first step in learning what you need to know to make your bankruptcy smooth and stress-free.

Don’t use credit cards to pay your taxes if you’re going to file bankruptcy. 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. In most cases, you can use the adage that “a dischargeable tax is a dischargeable debt.” So using your credit card to pay off your tax obligations, then filing for bankruptcy, can actually hurt you instead of help you.

TIP! Do not consider paying off tax debt with credit cards and filing for bankruptcy afterward. It won’t work.

Don’t file for bankruptcy until you know what assets of yours can and can’t be seized. The Bankruptcy Code provides a list of all the different kinds of assets that you can exclude. Many belongings may become eligible for repossession or seizure after filing for bankruptcy. If you do not read this list, you could be in for some nasty surprises in the future, if some of your most prized possessions are seized.

Don’t pay for the consultation with a lawyer who practices bankruptcy law; ask a lot of questions. Most lawyers offer free consultations, so consult with a few before settling on one. Therefore consult with different lawyers and get a feel for them, then decide which one suits your needs You do not have to give them your decision right after the consultation. Take your time, and schedule consultations with more than one lawyer.

Stay up to date with any new bankruptcy filing laws. Make sure to get the most up-to-date information concerning the bankruptcy laws in your state. Your state’s website should have the information that you need.

Ask yourself if filing for bankruptcy is truly your best option. There are plenty of other options open to you, like consumer credit counseling. If you file for bankruptcy, a mark is permanently left on your credit. Therefore, before you do this, you should utilize all the other options that you have.

TIP! Think through your decision to file for bankruptcy carefully before going ahead with it. Consider any other options that are available to you, such as consumer credit counseling.

Don’t file for bankruptcy unless it’s absolutely necessary. You may find consolidating your debt may be simpler. Filing a claim can take a long time and cause much stress. Having a bankruptcy on your record will hinder your ability to get credit in the future. So, consider bankruptcy only as a last resort when you have no other choice.

Repayment Plans

Don’t automatically assume that bankruptcy is your only option. You may qualify for alternatives such as debt repayment plans or interest rate reductions. Ask your bankruptcy attorney about these options. Loan modification plans on home loans are a great example of this. Your lender can help you get current on your loan by offering you one of a number of modifications, such as getting rid of late charges, lowering interest rates, or extending the length of the loan. When all is said and done, creditors want their money and find repayment plans preferable to not getting paid at all.

As bankruptcy appears on the horizon, don’t take your savings or retirement accounts to try to pay off all your bills. Retirement funds should be avoided at all costs. You may need to tap your savings, but don’t empty your savings account, as this could leave you in a difficult situation down the road.

TIP! When bankruptcy seem inevitable it is important not to use your retirement funds or emergency savings to pay creditors. Unless there are no other options, your retirement funds should never be touched.

As you can see, you should give bankruptcy a lot of thought before deciding whether or not you should file. If bankruptcy is sensible option for you, a good and experienced bankruptcy attorney is a must have to help you begin the process of starting your financial situation anew.

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Is Bankruptcy The Best Option For You?

Personal bankruptcy may be the right option for folks who have had property seized by the IRS. While bankruptcy is a big hit to your credit history, it can be the only option. Check out the following tips to see what filing for bankruptcy entails and what can happen if you do.

Ensure that you are providing genuine details when filing a bankruptcy petition, because honesty is the best policy when dealing with bankruptcy. Not hiding any assets or income is essential for avoiding possible penalties and your ability to re-file at some point in the future.

Prior to filing for bankruptcy, be sure you have investigated all of your alternatives. You can also avail yourself of other options, such as consumer credit counseling. Bankruptcy stays on your credit for a whole decade, so if there are less drastic options that will solve your credit problems, it is in your best interest to make use of them.

TIP! If you know people who have filed for bankruptcy, ask them who they would recommend rather than relying on Internet reviews or worse, just randomly picking someone out of the phone book. Don’t allow yourself to be taken advantage of by predatory lawyers just because you are filing for bankruptcy.

It’s not uncommon to learn soon after bankruptcy that you are unable to get an unsecured credit card easily. If this happens to you, think about applying for a couple of secured credit cards. This at least shows you are making an honest attempt at reestablishing your credit worthiness. It will take time, but when creditors see a pattern that satisfies their need to see your good faith with payments, you will then be able to apply for unsecured cards.

If you can, get a word-of-mouth referral for a lawyer. There are many companies who take advantage of financial desperation; that is why it is important that you get someone that is trustworthy.

Before you decide to file bankruptcy, be sure to check for any new laws that may apply to your case. Bankruptcy laws are in constant flux, so just because you knew the law last year doesn’t mean that the laws will be the same this year. To learn about any changes, search the Internet or contact your state’s legislative office.

No good will come of trying to conceal your assets or your liabilities in the bankruptcy process; you want to be scrupulously honest when you declare bankruptcy. Penalties may include fines, imprisonment or denial of the filing. Lay everything out on the table so that you and your lawyer can devise a plan to get you out of this mess.

TIP! Safeguard your home. Bankruptcy filings do not necessarily mean that you have to lose your house.

Seek a less serious option prior to filing for bankruptcy. You could find relief from small debts by using a consumer credit counselor. You can also talk to creditors and ask them to lower payments, but be sure to get any debt agreements in writing.

Repayment Plans

Filing for bankruptcy should not be done on a whim. You may qualify for alternatives such as debt repayment plans or interest rate reductions. Ask your bankruptcy attorney about these options. For example, if you are in talks of foreclosure, you could use a modified loan to overcome your debt. 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. Because of the fact that creditors would like to see their money they are likely to offer repayment plans versus not getting paid at all if you file for bankruptcy.

Ensure that you bankruptcy is your best choice. You may be able to manager gets more easily by consolidating them. Filling for bankruptcy could be a long and stressful process. It will have a major effect on your credit as time goes on. Therefore, you need to be sure that you really have no other option than to file for bankruptcy.

TIP! Spend time with loved ones. The process of bankruptcy can prove particularly brutal.

Be careful on how you pay your debts before you file a personal bankruptcy. There are many laws when it comes to bankruptcy, including prohibition of paying some creditors 90 days before you file, as well as family for a whole year. Find out more about legal requirements before making your decision.

If you think you have to file a petition for bankruptcy, get a lawyer who specializes in bankruptcy. An attorney can assist you both in ascertaining if bankruptcy is what you need and dealing with the court appearance. Attorneys can prepare your documents and help you with any concerns you may have.

If you find a job right before filing your bankruptcy papers, and finally have a steady income, you may still want to file for bankruptcy. Filing for personal bankruptcy may still be the best idea even in their current circumstances. When you choose to file can make a big difference. If the bankruptcy filing gets posted before the job begins, this added income will not be taken into account when determining how you will repay the money.

Be aware of the fact that you may be under a great of stress while you deal with your bankruptcy. In order to keep things together and protect yourself from excess stress, be sure to hire a competent attorney. Do not hire based on cost. It may be not be necessary to hire a costly attorney; just make sure he or she is qualified to handle your case. Make sure people who have experienced bankruptcy give your referrals. If you wish, you can attend a bankruptcy hearing and witness your attorney in action.

TIP! Don’t wait until it is too late to file for bankruptcy. It is a big mistake to avoid financial problems, thinking they may go away on their own.

As was stated before, the option of filing for personal bankruptcy should be kept open. However, it has detrimental effects on your credit, so this should not be your first choice Arming yourself with knowledge is a good way to protect assets and approach the process wisely.