The economy is in very bad shape right now. When the economy is bad, people lose their jobs and that means debt begins to pile up. Too much debt can lead to bankruptcy and all of its ill effects. If you're considering bankruptcy, the following article can help you make some sense out of it.
Decide whether you want to file for Chapter 7, or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. As an individual, you may do either one. Find out as much as you can about each type of bankruptcy, so you are able to make a choice that you can live with in the future.
An important tip regarding personal bankruptcy is, gaining an understanding of what sorts of debts can, and cannot be included in a discharge. By realizing that some obligations are not considered dischargeable under the bankruptcy code, it is possible to make a wiser, more informed choice when it comes to making the decision to file a petition.
Seek advice from a debt consultant before you file for bankruptcy. Deciding to file for bankruptcy is not something that you should do without first seeking advice from a financial expert. This is because filing for bankruptcy will seriously hinder your ability to secure credit in the coming years.
Before meeting with a lawyer, start compiling all of the documentation and paperwork you will need to provide an accurate picture of your finances. Gather six months' worth of pay stubs, bank statements, bills and credit card statements. Create a list of property and assets that you own. Having this entire information ready from the beginning can save you trouble when it's time to file.
Ask friends and family for moral support. They may not be able to lend you money, but you should be able to tell them about your hardships and to lean on them. It can be hard to talk about money with the people close to you. You will likely find that they are much more supportive than you expect.
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.
After the completion of filing for bankruptcy, get to work reestablishing your credit score. Keep in mind that thirty-five percent of the credit score is calculated using payment history. Keep your payments on time, because you will have to battle the bankruptcy on your report for the next ten years.
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.
If you are earning enough to cover your bills, don't file for bankruptcy. Though bankruptcy may appear to be a good way to escape your debts, it does affect your credit negatively for a fairly long time.
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.
Pay your child support. No matter what state you live in, child support is not dischargeable in a bankruptcy. The welfare of children is always going to be of primary importance in any legal system and will never be discharged in a bankruptcy. Although child support is not allowed to be discharged, by filing bankruptcy, you should have additional cash available from debts that were eliminated to then make your child support payments.
Ask close friends, and family members if they can get you out of a financial bind. This is a good way to avoid bankruptcy, and hurting your credit score. Just make sure that you have every intention of paying them back. Devise a budget plan, with them. Pay them off every month just like a bill if you have to.
Even though there are rumors that the economy is improving, lots of people are jobless or under employed. Even long-term job loss does not inevitably have to result in bankruptcy. Hopefully you have figured out some ways to avoid bankruptcy for you or someone you know. Hopefully better things await you in the near future.
Orignal From: Why Personal Bankruptcy Is The Wrong Thing For Some
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