Is your debt piling up to the point that a bankruptcy seems like the only option? Fear not, you are in good company. Countless individuals have determined that bankruptcy is the best way to alleviate their personal financial burdens. The following article will provide you with tips and advice for navigating bankruptcy.
Credit Cards
You should avoid paying your taxes with credit cards and then immediately file for bankruptcy. In many parts of the country, you cannot get this debt discharged, and in the end you will be left owing the IRS a big sum of money. The main thing to remember is that dischargeable taxes are the equivalent of dischargeable debts. It is pointless to use credit cards if they can be discharged.
When you feel certain that you must file for personal bankruptcy, refrain from squandering your life savings to pay off unsecured debt. Don’t touch retirement accounts unless you don’t have a choice. Though you may have to break into your savings, keep some available for difficult times. You will be glad you did.
Don’t be afraid to remind your attorney of certain details in your case. Don’t assume that they will recall every detail that you go over with them without a friendly reminder. Your case and future are affected by the attorney’s action, so never be afraid to communicate.
Don’t ever pay a bankruptcy attorney for a consultation, and ask a lot of questions. Since most attorneys offer free consultations, meet with a few attorneys before deciding who to hire. Don’t hire an attorney who fails to address all your concerns and questions. It’s isn’t necessary to make a choice right away. This will give you extra time to interview several attorneys.
Be sure to hire an attorney before you embark upon filing for personal bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is complicated, and having someone to help you navigate the process is crucial. An attorney will make sure that everything is being done correctly.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Research Chapter 13 bankruptcy, and see if it might be right for you. You are eligible to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy if your income is reliable and your unsecured debt does not exceed $250,000. Filing a Chapter 13 will let you keep personal items and real estate while you pay down your debt in a consolidation plan. Expect to make payments for up to 5 years before your unsecured debts are discharged. Remember that missing a payment to the plan will result in your case being dismissed.
Look into all of your options before you choose to file for bankruptcy. A lawyer that specializes in bankruptcy law can help advise you of other options, such as repayment plans and reducing interest rates to relieve some of the burden. Loan modification can help you get out of foreclosure. Your lender can help you get current on your loan by offering you one of a number of modifications, such as getting rid of late charges, lowering interest rates, or extending the length of the loan. Above all else, what creditors want is to get their money. Sometimes they would rather settle for a repayment plan instead of a debtor who is bankrupt.
Before filing for bankruptcy under Chapter 7, make sure that you consider the implications this will have on any of your co-debtor, who are usually family members, close friends or business associates. Once you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection, you no longer have legal responsibility for debts that you and any co-signers originally agreed to. Although, your creditors may insist that the co-debtor pay off the entire debt.
Chose the proper moment to make your move. Timing is important, and that is especially true when filing for bankruptcy. 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. Speak with a bankruptcy lawyer to discuss the proper timing for you to file bankruptcy.
Banish the word “shame” from your vocabulary before you file for bankruptcy. Feelings of low self-worth, shame and guilt are common for those who have come to the point where bankruptcy is their only option. However, having this feeling about yourself isn’t going to help anybody, and your health could even be compromised. Keep a positive state of mind to deal with your tough financial situation.
If you are considering bankruptcy, do not leave it until the last possible moment to do so. Some people will just ignore their outstanding debts, hoping that someone or something will come and save them, but this never ends well. Debts can multiply very quickly, and can result in you losing money to wage garnishment, or even losing assets that are part of a secured loan. As soon as you discover your debt is getting too big, immediately get hold of a bankruptcy attorney so that you can talk to him or her about your options.
As you can probably see, you are not alone in needing to file for bankruptcy protection. By reading this article, you have given yourself an advantage that many of these people lacked. Ensure the ease of the bankruptcy process with these tips.