Don’t let bankruptcy plague your life. If you feel like you are going to get into a financial crisis and have to file for bankruptcy then you are going to want to read this article. The advice that you’ll find in this article is going to help you get through the stress of bills and avoid filing for 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.
Be prepared to see your name in the news when you file bankruptcy. While the story isn’t going to make front-page headlines unless you are a very prominent or famous figure, all bankruptcy cases are public record. As such, they are often reported in a section of local newspapers. The good part is that not everyone reads that part.
Before meeting with a lawyer, start compiling all of the documentation and paperwork you will need to provide an accurate picture of your finances. Gather six months’ worth of pay stubs, bank statements, bills and credit card statements. Create a list of property and assets that you own. Having this entire information ready from the beginning can save you trouble when it’s time to file.
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.
Be aware of recent changes, if any, in the bankruptcy code. The laws change a lot, so you need to look them up and have a better idea of how to properly approach the bankruptcy process. To find out about these changes, you can look at your state’s legislation website or contact their office.
Remember that until your bankruptcy is filed, you must not ignore any bill collectors or lawsuits by creditors that could result in wage garnishments. The same holds true of delinquent auto loans that can lead to repossession. Once the bankruptcy has been filed, you will be protected from these creditors, but until then, be sure to make timely payments or try to negotiate with them to avoid lawsuits, lost wages and repossessed property.
If you are getting sued and filing for bankruptcy, you may need to buy some time for the summary judgment to come through. If this is the case, pay a filing fee to buy some time. Mail a letter to the opposing side stating “I dispute the validity of this debt.” That will buy you more time.
Protect your wages to live on. Bankruptcy is an important way to do just that. If you owe enough money that creditors are threatening to file lawsuits against you, it’s time to seek legal counsel. If a creditor sues you, they can obtain their money by garnishing your wages, taking a large chunk of change from your paychecks. This can put you in even more debt and make your situation worse. Filing bankruptcy will put a stop to any lawsuits and protect the money you need to survive. If the situation becomes dire, you can also ask for an emergency filing, so you don’t have to wait a couple of weeks for the attorney to compile all the information he or she needs.
Make sure the time is right when you file a bankruptcy claim. When it comes to filing for personal bankruptcy, timing is everything. There are times when you should file as soon as you can, but in some other situations it may be best to wait for the worst to be over. A lawyer is in the best position to evaluate your case and figure out when you should file for bankruptcy.
When filing for personal bankruptcy, be honest about the state of your finances in your documents. It isn’t a help to you at all to hide assets or additional income. In fact, doing so could lead to your bankruptcy petition being dismissed and you having to refile again. This is wasted time you may not have.
Think about all of what you learned today. Can you recall it at free will? If not, then there is no shame in rereading this article. You want to make sure that you don’t have to file for bankruptcy, so go ahead and reread this article if you have to and you may just be able to avoid bankruptcy.
