Weaving Your Way Out Of The Personal Bankruptcy Maze
You should never take the decision to claim personal bankruptcy lightly. Unless you realize every single little aspect of the proceedings to come, you might end up biting off more than you can chew. Apply the ideas in this piece to get started in the right way. Whenever you have a difficult decision to make, you can use information like what is in this article to make a smart choice.
Before you proceed with your personal bankruptcy case, review your decisions to be certain that the choice you are making is the right. You have other options, including consumer credit counseling help. If you file for bankruptcy, a mark is permanently left on your credit. Therefore, before you do this, you should utilize all the other options that you have.
When bankruptcy seem inevitable it is important not to use your retirement funds or emergency savings to pay creditors. No matter what you do, do not touch your personal savings unless there is no other option. Though you may have to break into your savings, keep some available for difficult times. You will be glad you did.
Educate yourself about state bankruptcy laws and possible outcomes before filing your petition. This area of law is in constant flux and it is imperative that you know where the law stands at the time you file for your bankruptcy. To learn about these changes, try contacting your state’s legislation office or checking their website.
Chapter 7
The two main kinds of bankruptcy are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Make sure you understand them so you know what is best for you. Chapter 7 involves the elimination of all of your debt. Any ties that you have with creditors will be dissolved. On the other hand, filing for bankruptcy under Chapter 13 means you will have 60 months to pay your debts back. It is worth while to take your time to research both types of bankruptcy to decide which option works best for you, and your financial situation.
Remember that filing for Chapter 7 personal bankruptcy will not just affect you. Think about the effect it will have on business associates, friends and family or anyone else who may be a co-signer with you. You may have your responsibility for your portion of the loan discharged under Chapter 7. Any co-debtor may well be held responsible for paying off the total remaining amount of the debt, though.
Timing is everything. They say timing is everything, and this rings true when filing for bankruptcy. Sometimes, you may need to file quickly; however, at other times, you should wait until the worst is over. Speak to a bankruptcy lawyer to determine what the ideal timing is for your personal situation.
If you are planning to file bankruptcy, avoid taking large cash advances from credit cards thinking that the debt will be erased. Not only is this fraud, but you could end up having to pay back the money, even once you have filed for bankruptcy.
If you intend to file bankruptcy soon, you may want to discontinue paying all debts. Check the bankruptcy laws in your state to make sure you have not done anything in the past year to make yourself ineligible to petition for bankruptcy. Read the rules before making financial decisions.
There are quite a few ways to file for bankruptcy. Do not let this information overwhelm you! Take you time to figure out everything and keep these tips in mind. That way, you stand a better chance of making a wise decision.