As sad as it may be, more and more people have been filing for bankruptcy. But, before deciding to take this big step, it is important that you are educated on bankruptcy, and what it entails. The following article is going to give you that education so you make the best bankruptcy choices.
Be certain you understand all you can about bankruptcy by researching reputable sites that offer good information. The United States Department of Justice, American Bankruptcy Institute, along with many other websites can provide you with the information you need. The more information you have, the more confident you can be about any decision you make and you will know that you are doing the best thing possible for your situation.
It should go without saying, but refrain from lying in your bankruptcy filings. Do not try to shield some assets or income from your creditors. This can get you in serious trouble and prevent your bankruptcy petition altogether.
If you’ve considered the pros and cons involved with choosing bankruptcy, and you feel that this is the only option you have left, be sure to consider all the personal bankruptcy laws. Don’t just sit back for the ride; be sure to work together with your lawyer so that you can get the best outcome possible.
Be extra vigilant about your spending habits until your hearing. Judges take a look at your entire financial picture. They even look at the things you are doing right now, to see if you are trying to take advantage of the system. Show that you are now on the right track financially.
A great tip for filers of personal bankruptcy is to thoroughly prepare for the initial meeting with the bankruptcy attorney. By assembling every piece of relevant financial documentation, including mortgage documents, auto finance agreements, credit card statements, tax records and bank statements, you can be certain that your bankruptcy petition and supporting documentation includes all information required for a comprehensive filing.
Before you file for bankruptcy, make sure that you sort out your taxes. When you file, the bankruptcy trustee will need to see your tax return from last year and possibly even your tax return from two years ago. If you have these documents ready, your bankruptcy attorney will be able to ensure that the whole bankruptcy process is carried out as quickly as possible.
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.
Since filing for bankruptcy is quite a complicated process, it is recommended that you find yourself a lawyer that specializes in bankruptcy. There is usually some sort of a fee associated with hiring one though. However, if you can not afford one, you should still look into one since there are organizations that could help you out with the cost of one.
Be prepared to complete some mandatory courses. When you file for bankruptcy, the court will require that you successfully complete two mandatory courses, a credit counseling course and a debtor education course. Both of these courses can be completed online for a nominal fee, and while they are not too difficult, it is important that you are prepared for them.
Many times, when a debtor files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, their home can be protected. This is because of the homestead exemption. This exemption can protect the home, if the debtor owes below a certain threshold. Laws concerning this exemption do vary between states. Be sure to consult with a bankruptcy attorney before, assuming your home is safe from liquidation.
Before you make a final decision to file for bankruptcy, look into all the options that are available to help your financial situation. If you are buried under credit card debt, it can help to check out a debt-consolidation, or home-equity loan if you qualify. You can also try negotiating smaller payments on your debt until, your finances are better in control. Bankruptcy is always an option, but if you can alleviate your problems in another way, you will be able to avoid a major hit to your credit history.
In conclusion, so many people these days have been filing for bankruptcy, which is why it is crucial that you are well informed on the topic. If you use the advice that this article has provided to you, the whole process of bankruptcy will go much smoother for you.
