Personal bankruptcy is a big step for many people, and it is a legitimate tool that helps people get out from under a mountain of debt. Many borrowers successfully build their credit after filing bankruptcy, and continue on with success in their financial lives. Read on to find out more about personal bankruptcy, and what it means to you financially.
After filing for bankruptcy, check your credit report to make sure that it was reported the way that it should have been. You want to make sure that any debts that were part of your bankruptcy are now labeled "BK" so creditors know you no longer owe that money.
Once you have filed for bankruptcy, you will have to do your best to build your credit all over again. Do not be tempted to allow your credit account to have nothing on it, so it will appear to be fresh. This will send a bad signal to anyone who is looking at it.
Do your research before choosing a bankruptcy lawyer. Take advantage of free consultations, and meet with several different lawyers before picking one to work with. Make sure that you choose an experienced attorney who is knowledgeable about the local laws, the preferences of trustees, and has a good working relationship with local judges.
If you are trying to rebuild credit after filing for bankruptcy, you should apply for secured credit cards. These can help you establish credit, but you have to make sure that they are one of the companies that report to the major credit bureaus, since all of them do not.
Make sure that you have all of your essential financial information and documentation in hand before you file for bankruptcy. Your bankruptcy attorney will need access to your financial information and other important documents, in order to complete your petition. This information will include: a detailed list of your monthly expenses, information about any real estate that you own, bank statements and any documentations pertaining to the ownership of a house or automobile.
Your most important concern is to protect your home. Just because you're going bankrupt doesn't mean that you also have to be homeless! Depending on if your home's value has gone down or if it has a second mortgage, you might be able to keep it. If you meet certain criteria, you may be able to retain ownership of your home even after filing for bankruptcy.
Make sure you know how to differentiate between Chapter 13 and Chapter 7. Learn the benefits and drawbacks of each type before deciding which is right for you. Before making any decisions, discuss the information you have learned with your lawyer.
If you are earning enough to cover your bills, don't file for bankruptcy. Although you may see bankruptcy as a free pass to eliminate your debt, if you can slowly whittle away at your debt with your income, it will be much better than killing your credit score with a bankruptcy filing.
If you are considering filing for divorce and bankruptcy, file the bankruptcy first. This could save you money in family attorney fees and make the financial aspect of the divorce much simpler. There are certain situations when this is not the best idea. Check with a bankruptcy lawyer before you do anything.
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.
When you plan on filing for bankruptcy, you want to protect any assets you can legally protect. During the process, your creditors are likely to liquidate assets of yours whenever possible to fulfill your financial obligations to them. Some assets are untouchable though, so make sure you take the proper steps to protect them. Your retirement account and your home are both untouchable when it comes to liquidation.
When filing for bankruptcy, list all of your financial information. If the court thinks you are attempting to conceal information, your petition could be denied. Make sure that you add very small sums, even if you believe that they aren't important. This financial information may include income from side jobs, vehicles you own and loans you have not paid off.
Filing personal bankruptcy can provide you with a safe haven from creditors and bill collectors. Navigating your way through bankruptcy to a debt-free life can help get you on the road to a more positive financial future. Personal bankruptcy is not for everyone, but it is worth investigating to see if it makes sense for you.
Orignal From: Bankruptcy: What You Need To Know
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