A lot of people today have sunk into the debt trap. It seems that they can never pay their bills down, and they’re constantly pursued by collection agencies and creditors. If this sounds like you and your situation, filing for bankruptcy may be a good idea for you. Go over the tips presented in this article to figure out if bankruptcy is the best solution.
If you are considering paying your taxes with credit cards and turning around and filing bankruptcy–they are on to you. In many parts of the country, you cannot get this debt discharged, and in the end you will be left owing the IRS a big sum of money. If the tax can be discharged, so can the debt. So, there is no reason to use your credit card if it will be discharged in the bankruptcy.
Stay up to date with any new bankruptcy filing laws. Bankruptcy law evolves constantly, and it’s important to stay up-to-date to ensure that you file properly. To stay up-to-date on these laws, check out your state’s government website.
Before pulling the trigger on bankruptcy, be sure that other solutions aren’t more appropriate for your case. For example, you want to look into credit counseling. This is the best option for small debts. Negotiating with creditors is another option, but creditors are notorious for “forgetting” these agreements, so get them in writing!
Understand the differences between a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Spend time researching the advantages and disadvantages of filing for each one of these. If you do not understand what you are reading, talk to your attorney before making that serious decision.
Be sure that bankruptcy really is your best option. Maybe you can just consolidate debt to make it simpler to deal with. Bankruptcy is not a simple, breezy course of action that should be taken lightly. It will affect your access to credit in the future. Because of this, you should be sure that bankruptcy is your only option before you file.
If you are making more money than you owe, bankruptcy should not even be an option. Although bankruptcy may feel like a simple method of getting out of your large debt, it leaves a permanent mark on your credit history for up to 10 years.
Car loans or mortgage loans are still a possibility when you have filed for Chapter 13. However, it won’t be as easy as it may have been to get one prior to the bankruptcy. You will have to get this loan approved by your trustee. To show that you are responsible and prepared for the undertaking of a new loan, flesh out a full budget. They may also want to know why you believe you need the loan.
Make a list of all your debts before filing. Failing to list these could cause the dismissal or delay of your bankruptcy petition. Even if you think a sum is insignificant, add it into your documentation. This includes any jobs you have on the side, any vehicles you have and any outstanding loans.
Be cautious if you are planning to pay off any of your debts before you file for bankruptcy. Find out from a bankruptcy attorney what a court needs to see as a cut off date for the last time you pay anyone you owe money to. Know the rules before you jump in feet first.
Don’t spend too much time deciding whether or not you should file for bankruptcy. It can be difficult to admit you’re in need of help, but your debt will only grow larger if you put off your decision. Take responsibility to talk with a bankruptcy expert sooner, rather than later. The longer you wait, the more difficult the situation can become.
When you file for bankruptcy, it doesn’t mean that you will lose your assets. You get to keep your personal property. Items such as family mementos, home decor, furniture, personal jewelry, clothes and more fall under private property. Depending on your financial situation and what state you live in, you might be able to keep property such as your home and car, or even recover property that has been recently repossessed.
Be sure that you include all debts you want discharged in your bankruptcy filing. Debts that you neglect to include in your paperwork won’t be discharged. Double-check the paperwork before you file it. Otherwise, you might be liable for debts that you could have gotten rid of during bankruptcy.
Reconsider going through a divorce as it could put you into a rough financial situation. Divorce can bring on a lot of major changes, finances being one of them, and sometimes filing for bankruptcy is the only option. Reconsidering divorce is always a smart option.
Regardless of how dire your situation may be, candor is critical. Lying or hiding information about your finances is a very bad mistake. Aside from that, it’s against the law. You can get prison time for lying about assets or debt.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
If you cannot use the Homestead Exemption within the Chapter 7 bankruptcy laws, find out if you can file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy with your mortgage. In some situations it might be better if you convert the whole Chapter 7 bankruptcy into Chapter 13. In this case, you should consult with your attorney to decide on your next step.
You are not alone when you are debating filing for bankruptcy. You can have a brighter financial future by approaching the situation with a better understanding of the process and the right tools at your disposal.
This is a limited-time offer. We are not able to guarantee availability if you wait!
