What To Do With Personal Bankruptcy

By Nancy Humphries


There are few people who expect to file bankruptcy. Situations always change and you are left with the only option, which is bankruptcy, but most importantly you need to understand how to work within this situation. This article will give you some great advice to help decide if filing for bankruptcy is the right option for you.

If filing bankruptcy is in your future, don't waste any savings you may have attempting to pay off your debts. Retirement accounts should never be accessed unless all other options have been exhausted. You may need to withdraw some funds from your savings account, but don't take everything that is there as you will be bereft of any financial backup if you do.

Although you can find many bankruptcy attorneys owning effective accounting software for small business that are listed in your local Yellow Pages or online, it's best if you can find one through the personal recommendation of a friend, family member or acquaintance. Don't be taken in by some fly-by-night company that exists only to profit from the suffering of others. Check out any lawyer you are considering thoroughly before engaging him or her.

Make sure you are completely honest when filing for bankruptcy. Hiding your assets is never wise. Wherever you file, that court has to be made aware of all details regarding your finances, positive and negative. Keeping secrets or trying to outsmart everyone is not a wise move.

It is important to look at your financial situation from all possible angles before you decide to file for bankruptcy. For example, you can always talk with a lawyer to see about different options through creditors or other means that will not require wiping the entire slate clean. Loan modification plans on home loans are a great example of this. There are a lot of ways that your lender can assist you, such as reducing interest rates, eliminating late fees, or extending the term of your loan. Remember that creditors desire to get paid and usually debt repayments are often preferable when dealing with bankrupt debtors.

Don't file for bankruptcy if it is not completely necessary. Consider whether debt consolidation may be a more viable alternative. There is not easy process associated with personal bankruptcy. It will also make it tough for you to secure credit after your filing is complete. Thus, you must make certain that bankruptcy really is the only viable solution to your problems.

If you are making more money than you owe, bankruptcy should not even be an option. Remember that the record of your personal bankruptcy filing will be discernible on the report of your credit for as many as 10 years. For this reason, bankruptcy filing should not be taken lightly.

Before you choose Chapter 7 bankruptcy, think about what effect that is going to have on any co-signers you have, which are usually close relatives and friends. Once you have filed Chapter 7, you, by law, are not responsible for any of your debts that also include your co-debtor. However, creditors can demand co-debtors pay the amount in full.

You will now be aware that a good deal of thought should be applied before bankruptcy papers are filed. If you know what makes sense for you, you can work with an experienced bankruptcy lawyer and get ready to experience a clean financial slate.




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