Filing for personal bankruptcy protection is an important strategy for people that have had assets, such as their vehicle, seized by the IRS. Bankruptcy totally destroys your credit, but in many cases, people have no choice but to file. Keep reading to gain a better understanding of the bankruptcy process and of the ramifications of initiating a filing.
Have a good look around the Internet to see what information is relevant to you regarding bankruptcy. The United States Department of Justice and American Bankruptcy Institute are two such places to look. You will find that the process of filing for personal bankruptcy is easier and less of a hassle with the more information on the subject you gather ahead of time.
Personal Bankruptcy
Before you proceed with your personal bankruptcy case, review your decisions to be certain that the choice you are making is the right. You have other options, including consumer credit counseling help. Be sure to consider all options before filing for personal bankruptcy, as this will take a large toll on your credit score for the next ten years.
Never give up. If you file for bankruptcy, you might be able to reclaim certain property that has been repossessed, such as your car, electronics or jewelry. If the property you own has been repossessed under 90 days before the bankruptcy filing, you may still be able to get it back. Consult with a lawyer who is able to assist you in the filing of your petition.
Don’t pay for the consultation with a lawyer who practices bankruptcy law; ask a lot of questions. Most attorneys offer a free consultation which you should take advantage of. Meet with a few before finalizing your plans. Decide which lawyer you like best buy reviewing all of the lawyers’ answers to your questions. Choose the lawyer who addressed your issues the best. You need not decide right away. Take your time, and schedule consultations with more than one lawyer.
Familiarize yourself with the bankruptcy code before you file. These laws change regularly and you should stay up-to-date so you can make the best decisions. To know what these changes are, go to your state’s website or contact the legislative offices.
Before proceeding with your bankruptcy, it’s a good idea to start spending ample time with the people you care about most. Undergoing bankruptcy can be a difficult experience. At the end of the process, many people are left with feelings of shame and worthlessness. A lot of folks decide to hide themselves from the world around them until the end of the process. Isolating yourself from your loved ones can lead to feelings of depression. For this reason, if you are undergoing personal bankruptcy proceedings, you must continue to live a normal life, spending time with your friends and relations.
Do not file for bankruptcy if your income is greater than your bills. Understand that while declaring bankruptcy will eliminate many of your debts, you will have difficulty obtaining credit and will pay more in interest for the credit you do receive for at least seven years.
File for bankruptcy before your finances get completely out of control. Many people simply try to ignore their financial troubles, hoping that they will somehow go away, but this is a huge mistake. Debts can multiply very quickly, and can result in you losing money to wage garnishment, or even losing assets that are part of a secured loan. The minute you realize that your debts are too big to take care of, contact a bankruptcy attorney to discuss your options.
As stated previously in this guide, personal bankruptcy can always be an option. Nonetheless, you should remember the negative impact filing for bankruptcy will have on your credit rating. For this reason, filing for personal bankruptcy should be your last resort. Reading up on the right ways to handle your situation will save you a lot of headaches in the long run.