No one ever expects to find themselves having to file bankruptcy. People can do their best to stay on top of finances, and when one or more financial emergencies come at them, they find that they have no choice but to look into bankruptcy. If you’re in this boat, read on for some helpful advice.
Trying to exclude family members you owe money to before filing for personal bankruptcy can get you into serious hot water. The court will look into who you pay-off as far as a year back, and if they find you showing favor to family over other creditors, they could invalidate your filing completely.
A critical tip for anyone considering a personal bankruptcy filing, is to make sure not to wait too long to seek relief. Delaying a bankruptcy filing can result in potentially devastating events , including home foreclosure, wage garnishments, and bank levies. By making a timely decision to file, it is possible to maximize your future financial options. Getting a clean start faster than you may have thought possible.
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.
If you are facing a necessary filing for bankruptcy, take a break from your troubles. After seeking reliable legal advice but before signing on the dotted line, give yourself a few days to think it all over, make sure you have disclosed everything and that you have selected the best options. Bankruptcy is permanent and you will live with consequences for a long time to come.
If you are unsure about the paperwork that you need to bring with you when you meet with an attorney, ask. Also, inquire as to whether the lawyer you are meeting with offers free consultations. You do not want to be surprised by a large fee just for them taking a look at your case.
If you have co-signers on car loans, or others who are responsible for your bills, consider filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy if you want to help them. If you file for Chapter 7, you may not have to pay anymore, but they are still responsible. Talk to the people involved, and think carefully before making a choice.
Consider Chapter 13 bankruptcy, if you chose to file. If you owe an amount under $250,000 and have a consistent income source, Chapter 13 may be right for you. This allows you to keep possession of your real estate and property and repay your debt through a debt plan. Typically, any plan you develop will last around 3-5 years. Afterwards, any remaining unsecured debts will be discharged. Remember, though, that if you fail to make even one payment, the case will be thrown out and you’ll be right back where you started.
Gambling losses are another thing that must be listed on your application for bankruptcy. Any monies lost twelve months prior to filing must be disclosed. Failure to disclose could cause you to face perjury charges. If you are found guilty, you could face time in jail and dismissal of your petition.
Keep your head up. Getting depressed about the situation you are in will not help. Many times, bankruptcy seems like it is going to be bad, but often, it is the best thing you can do at the time. You will have a fresh start and a better financial future, if you learn from your mistakes.
When you are thinking about filing bankruptcy, always be honest about everything. Do not think that hiding assets or income will help your case for bankruptcy. It could turn out that the court may just dismiss your petition, and you will not be able to file again to have those debts listed.
Shop around for a bankruptcy lawyer. Make use of free consultations, if a law firm offers them. Be sure to check out the attorney’s track record. For other kinds of bankruptcy advisers, do the same and be sure they’re licensed if your state requires it. Don’t ever pay debt negotiation firms any cash up-front and be sure you can pay based on the result. Don’t hire someone who doesn’t have good references or makes you feel uncomfortable.
Start getting used to paying for items with cash. Because bankruptcy will affect your ability to acquire credit for the foreseeable future, and credit you do obtain will have a high interest rate, pay for everything you can with cash or a check to prevent racking up new, much more expensive debt.
Refrain from feeling shameful about your bankruptcy. Bankruptcy can sometimes leave people feeling guilty, ashamed and alone. Feeling like this will not help your situation and can actually do serious damage to your mental well-being. Keep your mindset positive while you work through financial troubles such as bankruptcy to reduce stress and have an easier time coping.
Bankruptcy is something that is set up to help you. Do not think that your life is over because of bankruptcy. There will be some limitations to things that you can do, however, they are only temporary. There are also organizations out there that can help you get your life back in order after bankruptcy. If you filed or are thinking of filing, you should look into these organizations. There is hope.
If you act early enough, you may be able to take advantage of Chapter 13 bankruptcy, instead of Chapter 7. Chapter 7 is the traditional “liquidation” bankruptcy, which will involve selling off your assets. In contrast, Chapter 13 is a repayment bankruptcy. You will have to pay off a portion of your debt, but you can hang onto your property.
You should understand that you need to speak with a bankruptcy attorney about what you should and should not do when it comes to bankruptcy. The process will get easier as you learn all you can. By starting with the information we have presented here, you should be able to begin to come to grips with your personal bankruptcy situation.
