Because of the way our economy works, driven by consumer debt, bankruptcy claims are becoming increasingly commonplace. The economy has hit many people from all walks of life hard. Before you even consider going through the bankruptcy process, it is crucial you educate yourself on all things related to bankruptcy so you can make the best decision for you. This article will help you to make the best choices.
You should avoid paying your taxes with credit cards and then immediately file for bankruptcy. Most of the time, you won’t be able to discharge this debt, and you could make things worse with the IRS. Remember that if you can discharge the tax you can discharge the debt. So, there’s no reason to make use of a credit cards if it will not be discharged in bankruptcy.
Make sure you are always providing honest documentation whenever you have to file for personal bankruptcy. As long as you are not hiding income or assets from the courts, you can ensure that there are no difficulties with your petition. This will save you from having your petition dismissed and your debts dropped from re-filing.
Do not hesitate to remind your lawyer of any details regarding your case. Don’t just assume that the attorney will remember it automatically. This is your future in their hands, so don’t be scared to mention it.
If you can, get a word-of-mouth referral for a lawyer. You want your bankruptcy to go smoothly, and the Internet is rife with fly-by-night companies whose only goal is to prey upon the financially desperate.
Protect your house. Filing bankruptcy does not necessarily mean that you will lose your house. It may be possible to keep your home if the value has depreciated, or there is a second mortgage. You are still going to want to check into homestead exemption either way just in case.
Understand the differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Get a good grasp of the pluses and minuses each type of filing involves by researching both of them extensively. Once you have done your own research, be sure to review your findings with your lawyer, who is the expert. This way, you can be sure of making a well informed choice.
Don’t isolate yourself from family and friends. Going through a bankruptcy is never easy. Not only is the process long, but it can be stressful, and many people feel ashamed when they do it. Lots of people decide they should hide from everyone else until it is all over. This is not recommended because you will only feel bad and this may cause you to feel depressed. So, even though you may be ashamed of the situation you are in, you should still be around those you love.
Look at all of your options prior to deciding to file for bankruptcy. There are many recouses available to help you lower your payments and get back on track. If you are facing foreclosure, consider a loan modification plan. The lender may be willing to reduce interest rates, eliminate late charges or extend the life of the loan. Making arrangements with the creditors to make reasonable payments towards you debt is a much better plan than bankruptcy because the lender simply wants the loan repaid.
If you are filing for bankruptcy, it is imperative that you have a good understanding of your rights. There are bill collectors who will claim that you cannot add your debts to your bankruptcy case. Only a few kinds of debt, like student loans or child support, are ineligible for bankruptcy. If a collector uses this tactic about debt that can, in fact, be discharged through bankruptcy, report the collection agency to the attorney general’s office in your state.
Get the word “shame” out of your head when filing for bankruptcy. Often, with bankruptcy, come feelings of guilt, shame and worthlessness. Wallowing in these emotions benefits no one, and only serve to harm your own mental health. If you want to cope with your bankruptcy filing successfully, you must maintain a positive point of view.
Personal Bankruptcy
Learn about the personal bankruptcy rules before petitioning. There are many issues with personal bankruptcy code, and these pitfalls can cause problems with your case. Small errors could even cause your case to be dismissed. Make sure you are fully aware about personal bankruptcy before you make any final decisions. Doing this will make the process easier.
Realize that bankruptcy, ultimately, might be better for your credit than continuing to make late payments or miss payments on your debt. The good news here is that, even though the bankruptcy claim will leave a decade-long stain on your credit score, you can still work to repair your credit. The key to a bankruptcy is the fresh start you will get from it.
You should immediately vow to be more financially responsible before you actually file for bankruptcy. Avoid taking on more debt right before you file for bankruptcy. When creditors and the judge are deciding on your case, they will consider your current credit history as well as your past credit mistakes. You need to show the judge that you are responsible by making good, present financial choices.
You do not need to halt your plans to file simply because you have changed jobs. Bankruptcy may be the solution for you, even with your changed circumstances. When you decide to file could really make a huge difference. If the bankruptcy filing gets posted before the job begins, this added income will not be taken into account when determining how you will repay the money.
Clearly, the economy nowadays has had a dreadful effect on individuals and has caused bankruptcy to be a topic that is on everyone’s minds. By following the advice presented here, you can make sound decisions in regards to your relationship with personal bankruptcy.