Losing some of your valuable possessions, such as jewelry or vehicles, can make you very fearful. When you file for personal bankruptcy, you will be able to sort out your finances and end calls from debt collectors. This article will provide you with information to help you through this rough time.
Be sure everything is clear to you about personal bankruptcy via looking at websites on the subject. The United States Justice Department, the ABI (American Bankruptcy Institute), as well as the NABCA (National Assoc. Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys) are excellent sources of information. By being well armed with the correct knowledge, you can be certain of the decision that you have made. Additionally, you will understand the processes necessary to conduct your personal bankruptcy matters in a smooth manner.
Credit Card
Do not try to get clever by paying your taxes via credit card before you declare bankruptcy in an effort to dodge your tax burden. In most states, this is not dischargeable debt. Therefore, you will end up owing the IRS a lot of money. Transferring the debt to another medium (e.g. a credit card) won’t magically make a tax debt discharagable, either. So using your credit card to pay off your tax obligations, then filing for bankruptcy, can actually hurt you instead of help you.
When you realize that you probably will file for bankruptcy, do not pay your creditors or try to avoid bankruptcy by spending all of your regular or retirement savings. Retirement accounts should never be accessed unless all other options have been exhausted. Though you may have to break into your savings, keep some available for difficult times. You will be glad you did.
Credit Cards
After a bankruptcy, you may not be able to receive any credit cards. If this happens, instead you should turn your attention to secured credit cards. By doing this, you will be letting people know that you want to fix your credit score. Eventually, you could be able to obtain unsecured credit.
You should not have to pay for a consultation with a bankruptcy attorney. Make sure you ask lots of questions. Seek free consultations from a handful of lawyers, before deciding which one to hire. Make a decision when all your concerns and questions have been addressed well by one lawyer in particular. After your consultation, take your time to make your decision. Take the time to meet with a number of attorneys.
Consider Chapter 13 bankruptcy for your filing. You are probably eligible for Chapter 13 if your income is consistent and your unsecured debt is under $250,000. When you file for Chapter 13, you can use the debt consolidation plan to repay your debts, while retaining your real estate and your personal property. The length of the plan is generally up to five years, and when this is over, you will be free of unsecured debt. Missing a payment under these plans can result in total dismissal by the courts.
Once you clear the hurdle of filing for bankruptcy, live a little, but not too much. It’s not uncommon to be overwhelmed by the filing process. This stress could actually cause depression, if you don’t combat it. Once the process if over, your life will improve.
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. If you want to cope with your bankruptcy filing successfully, you must maintain a positive point of view.
Do not wait until things go from bad to worse before filing bankruptcy. Often, people try to act like they are not in financial straits. They imagine the issues will blow away, but they do not. Debt can become a big problem rapidly, and if you fail to handle it, you can face foreclosure or garnishment of wages. As soon as you’ve decided that you no longer have a handle on your debts, consult a bankruptcy lawyer to see if bankruptcy is right for you.
Do not omit any information about your finances, assets or debts when filling out your bankruptcy paperwork. If you do not do so accurately, your petition could be dismissed, or at the very least delayed. Make sure that you add very small sums, even if you believe that they aren’t important. Anything, like a job on the side, assets, like cars, and any outstanding loans should be included.
Avoid Debt
While personal bankruptcy is a valid option, you should consider the other options available to you before making your final decision. Avoid debt consolidation services and credit counseling services that seem too good to be true. Keep these tips in mind so you can avoid debt in the future.