Is Personal Bankruptcy The Right Choice For Me?

By Jobel Meralco


Filing for personal bankruptcy is quite a complicated process. For example, there are several types of bankruptcies. Each type depends on several factors including your income as well as your debts. Research into what will best suit you is important before you consider filing. In the following paragraphs, you'll find some tips that will get you off to a good start.

Be certain to gain a thorough understanding of personal bankruptcy by using online resources. You can learn a lot on the U.S. Department of Justice, the American Bankruptcy Institute and the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, all provide valuable information. By being well armed with the correct knowledge, you can be certain of the decision that you have made. Additionally, you will understand the processes necessary to conduct your personal bankruptcy matters in a smooth manner.

Any bankruptcy consultation should be free of charge. Free consultations are standard practice among bankruptcy lawyers, so interview multiple candidates before making a final decision. Only make your decision if all your questions and concerns are adequately addressed. You can think about your decision before making a commitment. Take the time to meet with a number of attorneys.

Put forth the effort to grasp the distinctions between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies. Take the time to learn about them extensively, and then figure out which one will be best for your particular situation. If you have trouble understanding the wealth of information, talk to your lawyer so he or she can help you make an informed choice.

Most bankruptcy lawyers give free consultation, so try to meet with these types of lawyers before deciding on hiring one. Be certain that the person you meet with is really a lawyer. Avoid meeting with paralegals or legal assistants because they cannot give you legal advice. Comparing different lawyers makes it possible to find one with whom you work well.

Learn and gain a firm grasp of the differences in applying for Chapter 7 bankruptcies versus Chapter 13 bankruptcies. Research them online to see the positive and negative aspects of each one. 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.

Once your initial filing is complete, it is time to take some time to relax a little. The filing process is extremely stressful for a lot of the people who go through it. This stress could morph into clinical depression, if you fail to adequately address the problem. Things will be sunnier after you take positive steps to move forward.

Consider filing using 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. You can keep personal possessions, as well as real estate, while paying into a debt consolidation system. The window for Chapter 13 repayments is typically 3-5 years. At the end of this time, any unsecured debt is discharged. Missing a payment under these plans can result in total dismissal by the courts.

Make a comprehensive list of all of your financial information before you file for bankruptcy. Failing to disclose all of your financial information can cause your bankruptcy petition to be dismissed, or, at the very least, delayed. Even if it's a small sum, make sure it is listed. Don't forget about side jobs, loans you've taken out or vehicles that might count as assets.

A lot of individuals who have found themselves filing for bankruptcy think that they will never borrow money or use a credit card again. This isn't wise since you need to use credit to build credit. If you do not use credit, you will not rebuild the type of credit you will need in making future purchases. Start with one single credit card, and rebuild your credit once more.

Planning properly can help you get on the right track. If you can give yourself more time, do it. Just be certain you are taking the right steps to prevent yourself from filing bankruptcy. Start to plan things out on how your future will be.




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