In this economy, we cannot fault the high numbers of people filing for personal bankruptcy. There used to be a stigma attached to filing, but that has long since passed. For many, filing for personal bankruptcy is the only way to carry on, the only way to exist. The following article will offer you some tips on how to accept and proceed with the circumstances of personal bankruptcy.
If you are planning to file for bankruptcy in the near future, don’t charge up your credit cards thinking that you won’t have to pay back the debt. In many states, there are rules about how much credit card debt and what kind, may be discharged in a bankruptcy. For instance, if you make purchases for luxury items, such as an expensive new TV, within 6 months prior to filing, you may be obligated to pay that amount back. On the other hand, if you used your credit card to purchase groceries, or other necessities, the rules may be different. Be sure to ask your attorney for advice.
See what you can find out. Each state does have varying laws on the subject of bankruptcy. Because of this, it is important that you meet with a specialized lawyer to discuss whether bankruptcy is right for you. Generally, initial consultations are free to you so you are able to determine which path you should head down at no cost.
Personal bankruptcy should be a last resort if you’re in insolvency. This is due to the fact that it will take years for the bankruptcy to work off your credit report and new law changes make it harder to escape paying the debts off. In other words, you could have bankruptcy on your credit report and still be paying off several of your debts.
Include all financial information when filing for bankruptcy. Things that may not seem significant to you may be very important. Include all assets like: vehicles, every cent of income, retirement account, stocks and anything else that has value. Furthermore, include any lawsuits that are pending against you or other parties.
Be sure to consider all of your options before filing for personal bankruptcy, as there may be some you haven’t considered. If you have a job that has slowed down due to the recession, such as construction, you may need to find a new job. This could help your situation until the economy picks back up.
Take steps to ensure your home is protected. Bankruptcy filings do not necessarily mean that you have to lose your house. Check your home’s current value to see if it has gained equity and get your first and second mortgage papers together. If you’re not sure, however, you can always study the particular homestead exemption regulations. You will learn everything you need to know.
As you are working to make the decision to file for personal bankruptcy, remember that it will affect your life for at least the next ten years. Bankruptcy should be used as a last resort and the decision to file not taken lightly. Carefully weigh your options before you make any decisions.
Become knowledgeable in regards to details about chapter seven bankruptcy vs. chapter 13 bankruptcy. Research both types of bankruptcy online, and weigh the positives and negatives each would offer you. If there is anything that you don’t understand, go over it with your lawyer so that you can make the best decision.
Know the facts. Contrary to popular belief, you can actually get credit after you file for bankruptcy. In fact, most who file already have very poor credit and filing for bankruptcy will put them on the only possible road to ever establishing good credit again. Your financial life will not end upon filing.
Make time to visit with family and friends during the bankruptcy process. Going through bankruptcy is a lot of stress. It takes a long time, it can be stressful, and people feel unworthy, guilty and ashamed. A lot of people hide away until the entire proceedings have been played out. This is not recommended because you will only feel bad and this may cause you to feel depressed. It’s crucial to spend time with loved ones despite your present financial situation.
Learn about adversarial proceeding. This is what results when you take out cash advances or make big ticket purchases on credit cards within ninety days of your filing date. You could very well be held responsible for the funds that have been withdrawn or purchases made once the bankruptcy is final.
Although filing for bankruptcy is a personal issue with individual circumstances, you are not alone in your troubles. Millions are turning to bankruptcy to alleviate unbearable financial pressure, and open their financial future. Hopefully, this article helped you see through this process and toward a more prosperous and less stressful tomorrow.
