Filing Bankruptcy? Check Out This Must-Read Advice
In the times of this less than stellar economy, more and more people are finding out what it means to be bankrupt. People who have worked all their lives to support themselves and their families have become surrounded by debt and lose all hope. Personal bankruptcy can be scary, but you can escape it, as you will see by reading the following article.
Never lie about anything in your bankruptcy petition. Withholding or lying about certain information can seriously worsen your financial situation. It could lead to being unable to file for bankruptcy or even legal trouble.
In any personal bankruptcy filing, it is essential to make certain to list all elements of your financial life in your petition and other paperwork. Failing to include all income sources or omitting individual debts and accounts can lead to substantial problems down the road that can limit the dischargeability of some of your most substantial obligations.
If you choose to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy, be sure that the amount of your monthly payments is within your reach. If you set a payment that is more than you can afford, you may face a court order of liquidation of all of your assets. You will lose everything by falling behind on payments.
If you are facing a necessary filing for bankruptcy, take a break from your troubles. After seeking reliable legal advice but before signing on the dotted line, give yourself a few days to think it all over, make sure you have disclosed everything and that you have selected the best options. Bankruptcy is permanent and you will live with consequences for a long time to come.
If you are going to be filing for bankruptcy, think about filing Chapter 13. You are probably eligible for Chapter 13 if your income is consistent and your unsecured debt is under $250,000. You can secure your home under Chapter 13 and pay your debts with a payment plan. These kinds of plans usually range across 3, 4 and 5 years. Once this is done, all your unsecured debt will get discharged. Remember that if you even miss one payment that’s due under this plan, the court could dismiss the whole case.
Be highly skeptical of any debt settlement companies. If possible, avoid using one altogether. Often times, because you are paying them monthly, they will drag their feet on your filing to make more money. They are usually unregulated, as well, which makes it difficult to fight any injustices you may encounter.
Remember that until your bankruptcy is filed, you must not ignore any bill collectors or lawsuits by creditors that could result in wage garnishments. The same holds true of delinquent auto loans that can lead to repossession. Once the bankruptcy has been filed, you will be protected from these creditors, but until then, be sure to make timely payments or try to negotiate with them to avoid lawsuits, lost wages and repossessed property.
As stated before, the number of people experiencing bankruptcy has risen thanks to the state of the economy. It can be frightening to face personal bankruptcy, but with a little help, anyone can overcome it. The information from this article will help you or anyone else get their finances back in order and escape personal bankruptcy forever.
