Even when faced with dire financial consequences, many people fear the prospect of filing personal bankruptcy. The key to defeating what can, often be, crippling anxiety is familiarizing yourself with the process and its potential benefits. Use the tips in this article to alleviate your fears and do what is necessary to get a fresh financial start.
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.
Remember that certain kinds of debt won’t be discharged even after you have filed for bankruptcy. If you have outstanding student loans, owe child or spousal support, a divorce settlement agreement, or unpaid taxes, you will still be liable for these debts. Also, if you forget to list certain debts on your court documents, you won’t be able to add them in the future.
Before you file for bankruptcy, make sure that you hire the services of an experienced local bankruptcy attorney. Hiring a bankruptcy attorney who’s located geographically close to you will mean that you can contact him or her with ease. You will then be able to meet up with your attorney in person, in order to discuss your petition in greater detail.
Know the facts. Contrary to popular belief, you can actually get credit after you file for bankruptcy. In fact, most who file already have very poor credit and filing for bankruptcy will put them on the only possible road to ever establishing good credit again. Your financial life will not end upon filing.
Consider Chapter 13 bankruptcy. If you have less than a quarter of a million dollars in debt that is unsecured and a regular income, you are eligible to file a Chapter 13. When you file for Chapter 13, you can use the debt consolidation plan to repay your debts, while retaining your real estate and your personal property. Lasting anywhere from three to five years, this plan will allow you to be discharged from unsecured debt. Remember that you must make every payment. Missing even one could cause the court to dismiss your case.
Avoid running up your debt limit before you file for bankruptcy. Judges, and creditors look at recent history along with your current situation. A judge can deny some of your debts from being wiped out if, they think you’re just taking advantage of the system. Try to show that that you’re willing to change your fiscal habits.
The specter of personal bankruptcy is something countless individuals dread and strive to avoid, no matter what. The truth is that a little bit of knowledge goes a long way toward making bankruptcy a less mysterious, more accessible opportunity for those who need it. Apply the advice contained in this piece, and you may find that bankruptcy represents a good solution for your circumstances.