Facing bankruptcy makes life difficult. You realize how limited you are when it comes to a tight financial situation. However, even if you have a poor credit score, you can still live your life and get some of the things you are looking for, like a car or a home.
Visit web sites and read information to learn as much as possible about the topic of personal bankruptcy. The US Justice Department, the ABI (American Bankruptcy Institute), as well as the NABCA (National Assoc. Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys) are excellent sources of information. The more you know, the better prepared you will be to make the best decisions and ensure that your bankruptcy goes smoothly.
You should avoid paying your taxes with credit cards and then immediately file for bankruptcy. Most of the time, you won’t be able to discharge this debt, and you could make things worse with the IRS. Should the tax be dischargeable, the debt is often dischargeable as well. There isn’t any reason to use a credit card to pay the tax bill since the bill can be discharged anyway.
Be sure to enlist the help of a lawyer if you’re going to be filing for bankruptcy. It is difficult to make all of the necessary decisions yourself, and expert guidance will be helpful. A bankruptcy attorney can help yo,u and make certain you can do things the right way.
Stay up to date with any new bankruptcy filing laws. Bankruptcy laws constantly change and it’s crucial you know about them so you the process of filing for bankruptcy goes smoothly. To learn how the law has changed recently, go online and check your state’s website, or call the state government and ask them.
Consider other alternatives before filing for bankruptcy. For example, consumer credit counseling programs can help you by renegotiating your debts with your creditors into payments that you can afford. Sometimes you can negotiate a reduced payment, though you must strive to get it all in writing.
You can take steps to hang onto your house. Filing bankruptcy does not necessarily mean that you will lose your house. It may be possible to keep your home if the value has depreciated, or there is a second mortgage. There are other options such as a homestead exemption which offers you a chance to remain in your home, depending on whether or not you meed certain financial conditions.
Chapter 13
Consider if Chapter 13 bankruptcy is an option. You are probably eligible for Chapter 13 if your income is consistent and your unsecured debt is under $250,000. You can keep personal possessions, as well as real estate, while paying into a debt consolidation system. It usually takes three to five years to fulfill this plan. When the time is up, you’re unsecured debts will be discharged. However, if you miss even one payment, the court will dismiss your entire case.
Don’t file for bankruptcy the income that you get is bigger than your bills. Remember that the record of your personal bankruptcy filing will be discernible on the report of your credit for as many as 10 years. For this reason, bankruptcy filing should not be taken lightly.
Chose the proper moment to make your move. When it comes to filing for personal bankruptcy, timing is vital. Sometimes it is the best option to file quickly, whereas in other situations filing should be put off until the worst has already passed. Speak to a bankruptcy lawyer to determine what the ideal timing is for your personal situation.
Don’t overly concern yourself with any negative feelings you are having. Feelings of low self-worth, shame and guilt are common for those who have come to the point where bankruptcy is their only option. These feelings can cause you to make rash decisions and cause psychological problems. A good way to deal with bankruptcy is to make sure that you keep a stiff upper lip.
When filing for bankruptcy, ensure you have listed all of your financial obligations. If you forget information you run the risk of having your petition delayed, or possibly even dismissed. Make sure that you add very small sums, even if you believe that they aren’t important. This might take the form of odd jobs, extra cars and outstanding personal loans.
Every single asset is not necessarily lost when you file for bankruptcy. Many times you will be allowed to keep your personal property. This includes items, such as jewelry, clothes, household furnishings, electronics, etc. The laws of your state, the kind of bankruptcy you go for, and your finances will determine whether you will lose large assets like your car or your home.
Bankruptcy is a step that many people have to take, and as you can see, it’s not a permanent black mark. When you save your money and show lenders that you are making serious efforts to reestablish your credibility they look kindly at this. Eventually, you will be able to brush every bit of that dirt off of your shoulders and once again be able to live a normal, credit-driven life if you so choose.