Dealing with bankruptcy is very tough. When you are dealing with financial stress, you come to the realization there aren’t many options. Your future lending requirements will not be permanently hindered by bankruptcy, read on to find out why.
If you are being faced with home foreclosure, wage garnishments or other situations that make it necessary to file for bankruptcy quickly, you may want to explore an emergency filing. Regular bankruptcy filings entail approximately 50 pages of paperwork and one to two weeks for an attorney to pull everything together. In an emergency filing, your attorney can file just the first 2 necessary pages and keep creditors from continuing foreclosure or garnishment proceedings. The rest of the work will be completed afterward.
Do your research before choosing a bankruptcy lawyer. Take advantage of free consultations, and meet with several different lawyers before picking one to work with. Make sure that you choose an experienced attorney who is knowledgeable about the local laws, the preferences of trustees, and has a good working relationship with local judges.
Decide whether you want to file for Chapter 7, or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. As an individual, you may do either one. Find out as much as you can about each type of bankruptcy, so you are able to make a choice that you can live with in the future.
Before filling for bankruptcy, determine which assets will be exempted from seizure. The Bankruptcy Code lists the kinds of assets which are exempted when it comes to the bankruptcy process. Prior to filing for bankruptcy, it is critical that you go over this list, so that you know if you can expect any of your most valuable possessions to be seized. Without reading the list, you may be shocked at which possessions can be taken from you.
No matter what, don’t give up! Once bankruptcy has been filed, you may be able to regain possession of items such as electronic goods or cars that were taken away from you. You may be able to get your property back if fewer than 90 days have passed between the repossession and are filing for bankruptcy. Consult with a lawyer who can help you along with filing the petition.
Prescreen any bankruptcy lawyer before hiring one. Because bankruptcy is an every-growing area of law that attracts new lawyers all the time, you are likely to encounter many new lawyers who do not have much experience. You can check any bankruptcy lawyer’s credentials online and see if they have any disciplinary actions on their record for improper filings or practices. You are also likely to find client ratings. In the matter of choosing a lawyer, one with experience and a positive record is always best.
Be sure to weigh all of your options before deciding to file for personal bankruptcy. One example would be that a consumer credit program for counseling if you have small debts. Sometimes you can negotiate a reduced payment, though you must strive to get it all in writing.
If you choose to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy, be sure that the amount of your monthly payments is within your reach. If you set a payment that is more than you can afford, you may face a court order of liquidation of all of your assets. You will lose everything by falling behind on payments.
Knowing that you are required to disclose anything that you have sold, given away or transferred in the two years prior to filing can help you avoid a costly mistake. Full disclosure is required. Not disclosing everything can land you in jail or a discharge of your personal bankruptcy petition.
A good personal bankruptcy tip is to be absolutely sure that you’ve gone through all of your options before you decide to file for bankruptcy. If the amount you owe is relatively small, you can always try to negotiate it by working through a credit counselor and making small payments.
Visit your primary care doctor for a complete physical prior to filing for bankruptcy. If you wait until after you begin the process, you will not be able to claim your medical bills on your bankruptcy. This is especially helpful if you do not have any kind of health insurance.
Keep in mind that your credit is not necessarily ruined just because you have filed for bankruptcy. But, it is important once you have filed for bankruptcy, that you properly manage your finances. This is the only way that you are going to be able to rebuild your credit the right way.
With time, things will get better credit-wise for you, despite your having previously filed for bankruptcy. Saving your money goes a long way to show your lenders concrete proof that you are serious about reestablishing your credit. So start saving and see how much of a change it makes when people view you the next time you go in for a car or home loan.
