Although some people think filing for bankruptcy is only for losers, they are quick to dismiss the idea when they are faced with it. Sudden loss of income or major life changes can result in situations where bankruptcy may be the only out. Follow the advice presented here if this describes your situation.
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. 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.
When it gets time to think about bankruptcy, avoid using your retirement or savings to pay off the creditors or even make attempts to settle the debt. No matter what you do, do not touch your personal savings unless there is no other option. 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.
Don’t fear reminding your attorney of any specific details of your case. Don’t assume that he’ll remember something from a month ago; tell him again. It’s your financial future that is in his hands; don’t hesitate to speak up.
You are going to get found out and get in trouble if you don’t disclose all your assets, so be totally honest from the beginning. Whoever provides your legal consultation must be privy to all of your financial information. Put everything out on the table and craft a wise plan for handling the situation the best you can.
Never pay for a consult with a bankruptcy lawyer, and ask plenty of questions. The majority of lawyers offer their first consult at no cost, so ensure you meet with several to find one that you like. Don’t hire an attorney who fails to address all your concerns and questions. There is no need to offer an immediate hire, so take your time. You can take your time and check out several attorneys before making your final selection.
See if there is an alternative you can use before declaring bankruptcy. If your debts are really not overwhelming, you may find the assistance you need by consulting a consumer credit counselor. 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.
Take steps to ensure your home is protected. Filing for bankruptcy does not guarantee that you will lose your house. There are mitigating factors, such as lose of value, or multiple mortgages. If you’re not sure, however, you can always study the particular homestead exemption regulations. You will learn everything you need to know.
Chapter 13
Consider Chapter 13 bankruptcy, if you chose to file. If you have regular income and under $250K in unsecured debt, a Chapter 13 may be right for you. You can secure your home under Chapter 13 and pay your debts with a payment plan. This repayment period usually lasts from three to five years. If you make your payments faithfully during that time, any remaining unsecured debt will be eliminated. Remember that if you fail to make any of the payments on time, the court may dismiss your case.
Do not forget to make quality time for friends and family members. The whole process of filing for bankruptcy is hard. The long process can leave people stressed out and racked with guilt and shame over having their financial affairs laid out for everyone to see. A lot of people become depressed and withdrawn until their bankruptcy is discharged. This isn’t true though because when you isolate yourself you will just start to feel worse and may become depressed. It’s crucial to spend time with loved ones despite your present financial situation.
If you can afford to pay your bills, bankruptcy is not a wise option. Though bankruptcy may appear to be a good way to escape your debts, it does affect your credit negatively for a fairly long time.
Do not forget to enjoy life a little once you get through the initial filing process. The process of filing for bankruptcy can make people a nervous wreck. The stress of dealing with bankruptcy could cause you to fall into a depression, unless you take steps to take care of yourself. Once your petition is in the hands of the judge, all you can do is wait.
It is possible to exhaust every possible option to improve your financial situation and still find bankruptcy the only solution. Because circumstance can create financial issues that result in bankruptcy, you can rest easy. This article shares what you need to know about fixing your financial predicament.
