There is no doubt that the current economy is a challenging one. When the economy tanks, many people lose jobs and accumulate debt. Debts usually end in bankruptcy which isn’t good. If you or someone you know is in jeopardy of going bankrupt, then read this article to figure out how to get out of this situation.
Credit Card
Do not use a credit card to manage your tax issues and then try to file bankruptcy. In most states, this debt won’t be discharged, and you could end up owing the IRS a whole lot more. Rule of thumb is if the tax is dischargeable, then the debt will be dischargeable. Because of this, transferring the debt to your credit card is pointless.
If you are meeting with a lawyer to discuss bankruptcy, the initial consultation should be free so ask every question you have. The majority of lawyers offer their first consult at no cost, so ensure you meet with several to find one that you like. You should make a final decision only once all of the questions or concerns are sufficiently attended to. You do not have to give them your decision right after the consultation. Take your time, and schedule consultations with more than one lawyer.
Many bankruptcy lawyers offer free consultations, so go to several before choosing one. Talk to the lawyer and not his assistant, who may not be legally able to help you. Look for a lawyer who you can relate to.
Before you choose Chapter 7 bankruptcy, think about what effect that is going to have on any co-signers you have, which are usually close relatives and friends. When filing Chapter 7, you are not longer liable for the debts that you and a co-debtor signed for. Sadly, this will not be the case for your co debtor. Your creditors may simply turn their attention to your hapless acquaintance.
You can take out a mortgage or car loan while filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy. But, it could be harder. Your trustee must approve any new loans. You need to show them why and how you can handle paying back the new loan. You will also need to explain why it is necessary for you to take out the loan.
Know your rights when filing for bankruptcy. Certain unscrupulous creditors will try to convince you that certain debts can’t be discharged in bankruptcy. What you can’t file on is very small, like student loans or child support payments. If a bill collector attempts to say their bill cannot be discharged, look it up. If they are wrong, report them.
Refrain from feeling shameful about your bankruptcy. Filing for bankruptcy leads people to feel all sorts of emotions like shame, guilt and feeling irresponsible. Learn to accept these feeling at face value– you can’t prevent yourself from feeling them, but you can stop them from controlling you. If you want to cope with your bankruptcy filing successfully, you must maintain a positive point of view.
If you are considering bankruptcy, do not leave it until the last possible moment to do so. It is a big mistake to avoid financial problems, thinking they may go away on their own. Debt can snowball very fast, and by ignoring it, you increase the chances of worse problems, such as foreclosure and wage garnishments. As soon as you know that you are too far over your head, make the move to call an attorney skilled in bankruptcy court, to weigh your options.
If you know that you are about to file for bankruptcy, don’t exploit the information asymmetry and get huge cash advances on your credit cards. Not only is this fraud, but you could still be liable to repay the money at the end of the day.
Pay attention to how you satisfy any personal debts before filing for bankruptcy. Bankruptcy law may actually prevent you from repaying your credits for three months. Worse, if you’ve taken out a loan from your family, you can’t repay them for a whole year before filing. Read the rules before making financial decisions.
While some new jobs are beginning to pop up, many people are struggling to find decent income; in fact, many people searching for any job. Even when your financial situation is not producing enough income, there are some things one can do in order to avoid bankruptcy. Hopefully this article has provided you with some tips to keep yourself, or someone else, from having to file for bankruptcy. Good luck to you.