If you are thinking about filing for bankruptcy, you are probably already overwhelmed at all the things you need to do and all the information you need to provide. However, the good news is that you are laying a strong foundation for your future financial life. Here are a few tips to help you get through your bankruptcy.
Laws regarding bankruptcy vary by state, so you need to find a lawyer that can walk you through the entire process and help keep your rights protected. In several cases, you can keep your car and your home, but it's your attorney that will tell you what rights you have, what you can keep, and what you will need to surrender.
One you realize you are in financial trouble and have decided to file for personal bankruptcy you should move quickly. Waiting to the last minute to file bankruptcy can cause a number of issues. You may face negative repercussions such as wage or bank account garnishment or foreclosure on your home. You can also not leave time enough for a thorough review of your financial situation, which will limit your available options.
Keep your debts to a minimum prior to filing. If you are planning on filing for bankruptcy, don't run up your debts. Your recent history will be checked by judges and creditors, and if it is deemed that you are trying to cheat the system, you may not be able to wipe out those debts. You will be viewed most favorably, if you can demonstrate that you have changed your spending habits.
When you file for bankruptcy you limit your options for many future loan options. Many banks do not forgive bankruptcy and it shows on your credit report for 10 years. Think twice before making the decision to file for bankruptcy. You might want to defer your bills for a couple of months, instead of hurting your credit for 10 years.
Do not feel embarrassed or guilty about filling for bankruptcy. Many people fear that they will be treated as second class citizens after they declare themselves bankrupt. However, this is not the case. The option to 'declare yourself bankrupt' was developed by the government to enable assistance to be given to people who find themselves overwhelmed with debt and in need of a fresh start. Last year, over 1.4 million people filed bankruptcy and the majority of them are now living a happy, debt-free life. So, there is no need for you to be afraid of bankruptcy stigma.
Before you consider filing for bankruptcy, you should make a pre-determination if bankruptcy may be the right choice. First, make a list of all income, including, salary, child support, alimony, rent and any other sources you may have. Then, make a list of your bills. These would include mortgage, rent, car payments, monthly credit card payments, groceries and gas. If your monthly bill total is more than the income you bring in, it may be time to seek the advice of a bankruptcy attorney, who can help you make the final decision.
Be sure to consider all of your options before filing for personal bankruptcy, as there may be some you haven't considered. If you have a job that has slowed down due to the recession, such as construction, you may need to find a new job. This could help your situation until the economy picks back up.
Do some research. There are two main types of personal bankruptcy - Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Chapter 7 will eliminate the majority of your debt while Chapter 13 restructures it to give you time to pay it off. Each one has different rules on what assets you are allowed to keep. So, ask a lot of questions before you decide which one is the best fit for your situation.
Before you make a final decision to file for bankruptcy, look into all the options that are available to help your financial situation. If you are buried under credit card debt, it can help to check out a debt-consolidation, or home-equity loan if you qualify. You can also try negotiating smaller payments on your debt until, your finances are better in control. Bankruptcy is always an option, but if you can alleviate your problems in another way, you will be able to avoid a major hit to your credit history.
Don't isolate yourself from family and friends. Undergoing bankruptcy can be a difficult experience. It can be long and drawn out which adds lots of stress and leaves people feeling empty inside. Lots of people think they need to hide from everyone until this is all done. This isn't true though because when you isolate yourself you will just start to feel worse and may become depressed. Make it a point to catch yourself if you feel yourself pulling away from others. Tell others that you would like to do some enjoyable things together while you go through bankruptcy process, then do it.
Now that you have read through the article, hopefully, you realize that there is little reason to be overwhelmed with your bankruptcy proceedings. Make use the information provided in this article and you will be able handle your bankruptcy much easier. Get ready to live a life that is much better than today!
Orignal From: Personal Bankruptcy: Developing A Plan That Works For You
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