Are you financially insolvent with bankruptcy looking like the only way out? Understand that you are not the only one. Countless individuals have determined that bankruptcy is the best way to alleviate their personal financial burdens. The article below discusses some information and tips to help you make sense of bankruptcy.
Do not use a credit card to pay income taxes and then file for bankruptcy. Most states do not look at this debt as chargeable, and you could end up owing money to the IRS. Rule of thumb is if the tax is dischargeable, then the debt will be dischargeable. It is pointless to use credit cards if they can be discharged.
Don’t be afraid to remind your attorney of certain details in your case. Many times a lawyer may forget a key detail; therefore, it is important to remind your lawyer of any key information. It is in your best interest to speak out. You are in control of the outcome of your bankruptcy.
If you are trying to rebuild credit after filing for bankruptcy, you should apply for secured credit cards. These can help you establish credit, but you have to make sure that they are one of the companies that report to the major credit bureaus, since all of them do not.
If you have filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, but realize that you are unable to meet your payment obligations, you may be able to convert to a Chapter 7 bankruptcy instead. To qualify for the conversion, you must never have converted your bankruptcy before and also undergo a financial evaluation. The laws surrounding this process are always changing, so be sure to talk with an attorney who can help you navigate this process.
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.
Filing for bankruptcy will not only just stop credit card companies from harassing you about debt. It will wipe out many of your debts, which may include utility company bills, wage garnishment and foreclosure. It will reduce all of these debts down to zero, and you will have to rebuild your credit all over.
If you lose your job, or otherwise face a financial crisis after filing Chapter 13, contact your trustee immediately. If you don’t pay your Chapter 13 payment on time, your trustee can request that your bankruptcy be dismissed. You may need to modify your Chapter 13 plan if, you are unable to pay the agreed-upon amount.
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.
If you’re concerned about the details of keeping your car, try to ask your attorney about details regarding lowering your monthly payments. Chapter 7 usually can help payments be lowered. It is necessary for you to have bought your car prior to the 910 days preceding your filing, your loan must carry a high rate of interest and you must be employed in order to get such a modification, however.
Ignore the people who put you down for declaring yourself bankrupt. These people cannot possible know the troubles you’ve experienced. By filing for bankruptcy you, are taking control of financial future. Also, dealing with the mistake of your past. Remember, for every person that looks at you with disgust, there is another person looking at you admiringly.
You can change your Chapter 13 bankruptcy payments in certain situations. While your payment amount will be set up for 3 to 5 years, if there is a change in your situation, you may be able to amend it. A decrease in income, such as, a pay cut, or a sudden increase in expenses, such as, a medical condition, may allow you to amend your monthly payments. You may be able to reduce the payment accordingly, or in some cases, suspend your payment for a certain amount of time.
Remember from the beginning of this article? You aren’t the only one who is filing for bankruptcy. However, you can be better armed by using the tips you have found here. Use the above tips to make sure the bankruptcy process goes smoothly.
