Tips And Advice For Dealing With Personal Bankruptcy
The mere thought of bankruptcy is enough to strike fear into the hearts of people. Increasing debt, coupled with the inability to support their families is a real nightmare for many people. If any of this frightens you, or you’re currently living this particular nightmare, then the contents of this article are going to prove of good use to you.
Do not attempt to pay your taxes with your credit cards and subsequently file for bankruptcy. Generally, this type of debt is not covered by bankruptcy filing, and you will still have a large debt owing to the IRS. A common rule is that dischargeable tax means dischargeable debt. Just because your credit card could be discharged in bankruptcy does not mean you should use it.
Ask for a free consultation with your bankruptcy attorney and ask questions about experience and education. Free consultations are standard practice among bankruptcy lawyers, so interview multiple candidates before making a final decision. Only make a decision after you have met with several attorneys and all of your concerns and questions have been addressed. You need not decide right away. So, this gives you plenty of time to consult with several attorneys.
Before you file for personal bankruptcy, be sure that you are cognizant of all current laws. These laws change regularly and you should stay up-to-date so you can make the best decisions. Keep up with your current state’s laws and regulations to figure out what steps you should take.
Chapter 7
There are two types of personal bankruptcy: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Make sure you know what each entails so you can make the right choice. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is intended to wipe out all outstanding debts. All the things that tie you to creditors will go away. On the other hand, filing for bankruptcy under Chapter 13 means you will have 60 months to pay your debts back. Look into both types of bankruptcy before deciding which one would suit your particular needs.
It is wise to meet with several lawyers before making a final decision, take advantage of the free consultations to find one that is a good fit for you. Make sure you meet with a licensed attorney rather than a paralegal or assistant, because it is illegal for these people to give legal advice. Interviewing multiple attorneys is a good way to find the best fit.
Before filing bankruptcy consider every available avenue. You might be better off consolidating your debt or availing yourself of some other remedy. Bankruptcy is a long process that can be stressful. It will also limit your ability to get credit for the next few years. Therefore, you must make sure that there is no other option that you could take before you file for bankruptcy.
If you are making more money than you owe, bankruptcy should not even be an option. Although bankruptcy may feel like a simple method of getting out of your large debt, it leaves a permanent mark on your credit history for up to 10 years.
Repayment Plans
Think about all the choices available to you when you file for bankruptcy. Some alternatives to filing for personal bankruptcy include debt repayment plans, interest rate reduction plans, and debt consolidation. Talk with the personal bankruptcy lawyer to find out more. Look into loan modification plans if you need to deal with an imminent foreclosure. Lenders can assist you in a lot of ways, by cutting interest rate charges and cutting off late fee charges. They can also lengthen the loan. Creditors want their money. Often, they are willing to work out repayment plans with you in order to get it.
Filing bankruptcy under Chapter 13 means you can still get a loan for a car or a mortgage. There are extra hoops to jump through. First, your trustee will have to approve the loan. You need to develop a budget and show that you will be able to afford the new payment. You will also need to have a good reason why you need the item.
It’s normal for people to be scared of bankruptcy, since it really is a frightening process. You may have lived in fear of it before, but you no longer have to now, thanks to this article. Make the most of these tips quickly. This will allow you to get back to a normal life with your loved ones.