The option to file for personal bankruptcy can be a tough decision to make, especially, as it will impact your life for years to come. Know exactly what you’re getting into and what it means to file bankruptcy! Use the tips from this article to help you to understand the hows and whys of filing personal bankruptcy.
Bankruptcy is a very complicated, and scary process. Usually anyone who applies for it, is at the end of ones rope. To help you feel more in control of things, be sure to educate yourself about the entire process before making your decision. Learn the requirements you have to meet before applying.Learn about what the process will be when you do apply.Finally, learn how your future will be affected by it after you file.
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 has been discharged, or finalized, a good way to begin re-building your credit is to obtain a pre-paid credit card. This type of card is usually available at your local bank. The card is secured by the amount of money you load onto it. You can not charge more than what you have loaded onto the card, so over-spending shouldn’t be a problem. It works like a regular credit card, with monthly statements and payments. After you have kept this card in good standing for a period of time, you may be able to have it switched into a regular, revolving credit card.
Find out as much as you can about the individual laws in your state. There is a lot of information about there, but every state has its particular laws that people are subject to. You may have a lawyer, but it is important that you know about this as well so you can make better decisions.
Be weary of creditors once you have filed for bankruptcy. These companies think because you have filed for bankruptcy, you cannot file it again for a long time. You are not risky to lend to. By accepting loans from these companies, you are putting yourself at risk for more financial turmoil.
Be honest. Don’t try to hide debts or money, because if you are found out, your entire bankruptcy filing can be revoked, and you could face jail time. Just be honest about what your financial life is like, and your lawyer should be able to help you make smart choices.
When you file for bankruptcy, remember to include all credit and debit accounts. You should even include those credit cards that do not have a balance. Some people leave these out because they wish to keep these accounts open. In addition, you need to include all the information about any auto loans that you may have.
Make certain that you are fully aware of each and every bankruptcy law prior to even considering filing. As an example, it is prohibited for someone to transfer assets from the filer’s name for one year prior to filing. Also, it is illegal to load up your credit cards with debt right before filing occurs.
A good personal bankruptcy tip is, to be careful up until the time that you file for bankruptcy. If they see that you’ve just been driving the debt up higher, and higher to take advantage of the system, they’ll probably prevent you from filing for bankruptcy altogether. Don’t let this happen.
Before you make the final decision to file bankruptcy, consider the other options you have. Credit counseling may work for you. Many different non-profit entities exist that can assist you without charging you any fees. Their job is to lower your payments and interest through negotiations with your creditors. The payments you make go to the credit counseling company, and they send that money to your creditors.
When thinking about filing for bankruptcy, it is best not to waste precious time. Filing for bankruptcy is a hard decision to make but if you wait too long, your situation will get worse. Take responsibility to talk with a bankruptcy expert sooner, rather than later. The longer you wait, the more difficult the situation can become.
As you have read in the article above, there are quite a few steps involved in filing for personal bankruptcy, but also carries a lot of responsibility. This option should be used as a last resort and you should understand the consequences of making such a tough decision. Don’t be too hasty to file and keep the tips in mind from this article, when you do!
