When you are thinking about filing bankruptcy, there are a lot of things you need to consider. Bankruptcy laws have changes a few times in the past few years, so it can be hard to know what to expect. Here are some helpful tips so that you have a better idea of how to deal with bankruptcy.
You should look into and understand which debts are eligible to be written-off under bankruptcy. There are certain loans, such as student loans, that do not qualify. By understanding which debts you can write-off, you can make a better decision when trying to figure out if bankruptcy is the right choice for you.
Find out what the homestead exemption limit is in your state before filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If you have too much equity in your home to qualify for the exemption, you could lose your house in the bankruptcy. You can’t change your mind once you’ve begun the process, so make sure you will be able to keep your home before you file.
After your bankruptcy is finalized, you should begin re-building your credit by, obtaining copies of your credit reports. Your reports may show that you filed for bankruptcy, but it can take a lot of time for the credit bureaus to remove the original debt from your credit history. Check your reports over thoroughly, if there is debt showing that was discharged in a bankruptcy, you can contact the credit bureaus online, or in writing and request that the information be deleted.
Do not feel embarrassed or guilty about filling for bankruptcy. Many people fear that they will be treated as second class citizens after they declare themselves bankrupt. However, this is not the case. The option to ‘declare yourself bankrupt’ was developed by the government to enable assistance to be given to people who find themselves overwhelmed with debt and in need of a fresh start. Last year, over 1.4 million people filed bankruptcy and the majority of them are now living a happy, debt-free life. So, there is no need for you to be afraid of bankruptcy stigma.
Do not jump the gun, and file for bankruptcy too early. Filing at the wrong time could leave you with more debt than you had before. It also means that you will not be able to file against those debts. All debt must be listed on your initial application for it to be included.
If you filed for bankruptcy, and now would like to restore your credit, be careful on how you do this. There are some legitimate companies out there that do want to help, and will. However, there are also very many companies that are just waiting to take advantage of people who are in a tough situation. So do your research very carefully, when trying to hire one of these companies.
You can still take out a car loan or mortgage while you are in Chapter 13 bankruptcy. This is a lot harder. You will have to see your trustee and the approval for this new loan. You need to show them why and how you can handle paying back the new loan. Be ready to justify the purchase that you need the loan for, too.
Do not take filing for bankruptcy lightly. Remember, your bankruptcy will appear on your credit report for ten years after you file, and you are unable to file again for six years. You may have a difficult time securing credit or low interest rates in the future, so make sure that you save this option until you truly have no alternatives.
Never rely upon bill collectors to share accurate information about your debt and bankruptcy. Some unethical collectors tell consumers that their debts are exempt from bankruptcy rules, but this is actually only true for a few special kinds of debt. If a collection agency provides you with inaccurate information like this, report them to the Attorney General’s Office in your state.
Do not pay off debts blindly before you file a personal bankruptcy. Bankruptcy laws generally don’t cover situations which occurred within a short time frame prior to filing, such as the previous 90 days worth of credit card debt. Know the rules before you jump in feet first.
When you file personal bankruptcy, this is a matter of public record. You need to be aware that your name may appear in the news and in newspapers. If you do not want people knowing your financial situation, this may not be the best option for you and your situation.
There are a lot of things to know if you want to file for bankruptcy, especially if you are not a lawyer and don’t know all of the bankruptcy laws. Use the tips in this article to keep you on the right path. Find out as much as you can, so you can start to improve your finances soon.
