Bankruptcy is a difficult decision for anyone to make; however, it is sometimes necessary. You should only enter into bankruptcy if you possess a great deal of knowledge and understanding of the process that is to come. Continue on for some helpful information from people who have dealt with the bankruptcy process themselves.
Do not pay your taxes with credit cards that will be canceled when you file for bankruptcy. Most states do not look at this debt as chargeable, and you could end up owing money to the IRS. Transferring the debt to another medium (e.g. a credit card) won’t magically make a tax debt discharagable, either. If you live in an area where tax can be discharged through bankruptcy, financing your tax bill is pretty pointless.
Never lie about anything in your bankruptcy petition. As long as you are not hiding income or assets from the courts, you can ensure that there are no difficulties with your petition. This will save you from having your petition dismissed and your debts dropped from re-filing.
Unsecured Credit
You might experience trouble with getting unsecured credit after filing for bankruptcy. If this happens to you, think about applying for a couple of secured credit cards. When you do this, it shows your determination to fix your credit history. After some time passes they may be willing to offer you unsecured credit.
You should be able to meet with a specialized lawyer for free to ask your questions. Most attorneys offer free initial consultations, and you should take advantage of the chance to interview multiple practitioners. Choose to file only if your lawyer has convinced you that this is the best decision. It is not necessary to come to a decision immediately following the meeting. This offers you the opportunity to speak with other attorneys.
Do some research about laws and legislation before filing. Make sure to get the most up-to-date information concerning the bankruptcy laws in your state. Keep up with your current state’s laws and regulations to figure out what steps you should take.
Before pulling the trigger on bankruptcy, be sure that other solutions aren’t more appropriate for your case. For example, consumer credit counseling programs can help you by renegotiating your debts with your creditors into payments that you can afford. You may have luck negotiating lower payments by dealing directly with creditors, but be sure to document any get and new agreement terms in writing from each creditor.
Meet with a few attorneys who offer free consultations before hiring one. Ensure that your meeting is actually with the attorney, not with a paralegal or an assistant. People in these positions are unable to offer legal advice. Taking the time to compare lawyers will ensure that you get a person that you can be yourself around.
Always protect your house. You do not have to lose your home in the process of a 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. You could also check out the homestead exemption. This lets you continue living in your house, depending on whether you meet certain financial requirements.
Chapter 13
Consider filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. If you owe an amount under $250,000 and have a consistent income source, Chapter 13 may be right for you. You can keep personal possessions, as well as real estate, while paying into a debt consolidation system. Generally, this stays in effect for up to 5 years. Afterwards, your unsecured debts clear from your accounts. Bear in mind that if you miss a single payment that is due under your plan, the entire case will be dismissed by the Court.
Speak with your attorney about ways you can keep your car. Chapter seven bankruptcy often provides for the lowering of payments. There are qualifications, such as the loan being high interest and a good work record for this option.
Make sure the time is right when you file a bankruptcy claim. When it comes to filing for bankruptcy, your timing is important. Sometimes, filing as soon as you can is best, while other times, it is wise to get past the worst problems first. Speak with bankruptcy attorneys for a time frame for filing with your situation.
Facing bankruptcy is a negative situation that can bring on stress. To help yourself deal with this stressful situation, make sure you hire a legitimate attorney. Don’t make your choice to retain a particular lawyer simply because they are the cheapest. Hire the best attorney you can afford, not the one who charges the most. Speak with trusted people, check the BBB and take advantage of the free bankruptcy attorney consultations. You can attend court hearings if you want to see a prospective attorney in action.
Financial Information
Make a comprehensive list of all of your financial information before you file for bankruptcy. Neglecting to include the smallest of detail can lead to a petition being dismissed. All financial information needs to be considered by the court. Include all jobs, assets and loans.
You should keep in mind that in the long run, bankruptcy can have a more positive impact on your credit score than continually missing payments towards your debt. Bankruptcy stays on your credit for quite some time. On the other hand, you can begin improving your damaged credit immediately. A fresh start is a great benefit of bankruptcy.
Although people don’t want to file bankruptcy, it’s sometimes necessary. Now that you’ve come to the end of this piece, you have some ideas about how the process works. Learning from people who traveled down this road before can make your journey less stressful.
This is a limited-time offer. We are not able to guarantee availability if you wait!
