Things You Must Have In Order Before Filing Bankruptcy
One of the most difficult financial decisions a person may have to make in their life is to decide to file for personal bankruptcy. With such a big decision, you should be sure to know as much about the process as possible. Use this information to help you know if it is the right course of action to take.
Seriously consider if bankruptcy is the right choice for you. If you do not owe too much in credit card debt and medical bills, you might be able to handle the debts yourself with credit counselors and payment arrangements. Bankruptcy can be a serious financial choice, so make sure you consider all your options carefully.
Before you decide to declare bankruptcy, make sure that a less-drastic solution isn’t more appropriate. For example, consumer credit counseling services can often help you figure out a workable repayment plan with creditors. You could even negotiate for lower payments. However, you should ensure that you always obtain a written record of all the changes to your debt that you’ve agreed to.
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.
Always hire an experienced bankruptcy attorney before filing bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is a lengthy, stressful process. A good attorney can make the process as fast, and painless as possible. Opting to before filing bankruptcy without first seeking legal advice from a good attorney, could result in your bankruptcy petition being thrown out of court by a judge.
If you are planning to before filing bankruptcy, be certain not to transfer any of your belongings or valuables to another person. This includes taking your name off of joint bank accounts or other financial assets. The court will be looking for anything of value in order to repay creditors, and you will be asked under oath whether you have left anything out. If you do not tell the truth, you may be charged with perjury and could possibly spend time in jail. Remember, honesty is the best policy.
Become educated about personal bankruptcy. You must realize that the IRS will tax forgiven debt in bankruptcy. The rules can be confusing, so be sure you learn all that you can before you file. You can find out more about this by doing some research, either by talking to finance professionals or looking online.
Learn about adversarial before filing bankruptcy. This is what results when you take out cash advances or make big ticket purchases on credit cards within ninety days of your filing date. You could very well be held responsible for the funds that have been withdrawn or purchases made once the before filing bankruptcy is final.
Now that you have been provided with some useful information about personal bankruptcy, carefully weigh your options. Making this decision is going to impact your life for several years. If you have considered all of the other options, carefully follow the correct steps to before filing bankruptcy, and prepare for what changes it will bring.
