If you have a lot of debt and are about to file for bankruptcy, then don’t fret anymore. With the Internet, you can find out ways to avoid bankruptcy. You may be able to avoid filing for personal bankruptcy by following the tips presented here.
Before you proceed with your personal bankruptcy case, review your decisions to be certain that the choice you are making is the right. It is possible to take advantage of other options, like consumer credit counseling. Your credit score will be forever effected by bankruptcy, which is why you should do everything else in your power to resolve matters first.
Retirement Funds
As filing bankruptcy becomes more of a reality, don’t use your entire savings or your retirement funds to pay creditors or attempt to resolve insolvency. 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.
One critical element for anyone filing a petition for bankruptcy is to be honest in everything you do. You must avoid the temptation to conceal any valuables, money or other assets from the courts. If they find that you have lied, you may be faced with fines, penalties or the inability to file in the future.
Credit Cards
You may still have trouble receiving any unsecured credit after a bankruptcy. If this happens, instead you should turn your attention to secured credit cards. That will show lenders that you are committed to rebuilding your credit. After a certain time, you will then be able to acquire credit cards that are unsecured.
Be persistent in researching information about filing for bankruptcy and consult a qualified personal bankruptcy attorney. Many times you can get repossess property back once bankruptcy has been filed. You may be able to recover repossessed property if the repossession occurred fewer than 90 days ago. Talk with an attorney who can guide you through the process of filing a petition.
See if there is an alternative you can use before declaring bankruptcy. There are numerous programs out there that may assist you with your debt, like a credit counseling program, a nonprofit group, government assistance, etc. You may also find success in negotiating lower payment arrangements yourself, but be certain to get any arrangements with creditors in writing.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Understand the differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Every one of your debts will be gone if you decide to go with Chapter 7. All of your financial ties to the people you owe money to will disappear. Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows for a five year repayment plan to eliminate all your debts. It’s important to know what differences come with every type of bankruptcy. This will let you find out what’s best for you.
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. By filing this way, you can hold onto your home and property, while repaying debts through debt consolidation. The plan is usually for a term of three to five years, and a discharge will be granted at the end of that term. Keep in mind that missed payments will trigger dismissal of your case.
Spend time with friends and family to keep your stress levels to a minimum through the bankruptcy filing process. Going through bankruptcy is difficult. Having to declare bankruptcy leaves many people feeling like a failure. Many people tend to hide until their process is completed. However, becoming a hermit will only increase feelings of self-doubt and could make you depressed. Therefore, it is important that you continue to spend quality time with your loved ones despite, in spite of your current financial situation.
You can better your financial situation with good planning. If it’s possible to get some more time to pay your bills, take it. The most important thing here is that you understand that knowledge is power in filing a claim. Plan your future out now.