Tuesday, 24 June 2014

Protect Yourself And Your Assets With These Bankruptcy Tips

By Anne Lugasan


Filing for bankruptcy is a huge decision in anyone's life. Before you go through with it, you need to understand the gravity of the situation. Therefore, it is very important to understand what you are doing when you file for bankruptcy. Read the tips listed here for guidance. A good amount of research will help you choose the right path to take.

Make sure that you understand everything you can about personal bankruptcy by visiting websites that offer information. The United States Department of Justice, NACBA, and American Bankruptcy Institute websites are all great places to go for up-to-date information. The more you know about it, the better you are able to make the best decision for your situation and to make sure that the bankruptcy proceedings move forward with minimal setbacks.

Do not even think about paying your taxes with credit and petitioning for bankruptcy right after. In some places the debt can not be discharged, and you may still need to pay the IRS afterward. Bear this in mind; if the tax can be discharged, then the debt can be as well. Thus, it doesn't make sense to use a credit card when it is going to be discharged when you file for bankruptcy.

When looking for a lawyer to handle your bankruptcy claim, the best way to go is off of a personal recommendation instead of simply flipping through the phone book. Bankruptcy attracts a lot of fly-by-night firms that take advantage of desperate people, and a word-of-mouth recommendation makes it more likely that your bankruptcy will go smoothly.

Prior to declaring bankruptcy you really need to be sure that you've exhausted all your other options first. For instance, a consumer credit counseling program may be a better bet if your debts are relatively small. You may also find people will allow you to make lower payments. If that happens, get records of the debt modifications.

Find out about lowering the cost of the payment you pay monthly on your car, if you are afraid of losing it. In many cases, you can reduce your payment by filing a Chapter 7 petition. There are certain requirements and restrictions such as a loan that has a high interest rate, cars purchased 910 days before you file, and a steady job history that can help you keep your vehicle.

Spend time with loved ones. Bankruptcy can take a toll on you. It is long, hard and sometimes leaves people feeling guilty or ashamed. Some folks tend to stay in the shadows until their case has concluded. However, self imposed isolation will only make you feel even worse about the process and could even lead to depression. Make it a point to catch yourself if you feel yourself pulling away from others. Tell others that you would like to do some enjoyable things together while you go through bankruptcy process, then do it.

Be aware of the fact that you may be under a great of stress while you deal with your bankruptcy. You need to do your research to find a good bankruptcy lawyer. Get recommendations and look into other qualifications rather than just choosing based on cost alone. Think about quality rather than cost when hiring an attorney. Talk to friends who have been through a similar situation and ask them for referrals. If you want to know more about a specific lawyer, attend a court proceeding and see how the attorney handles herself.

Research the rules and regulations of personal bankruptcy before you file. You need to be aware of any issues you will encounter with the bankruptcy code. There are mistakes that may cause the dismissal of your case. Prior to filing any papers, learn about your rights and responsibilities when filing for personal bankruptcy. This will help your process go smoother.

You can still take out a car loan or mortgage while you are in Chapter 13 bankruptcy. It is a little more difficult, though. You need to speak with your trustee so that you can be approved for a new loan. You need to develop a budget and show that you will be able to afford the new payment. Also, be sure you can provide an explanation as to why this purchase is necessary.

If you decide to file for bankruptcy, it's important that you're educated about your rights. Occasionally, debt collectors will attempt to convince you that your debt isn't eligible for bankruptcy. There are very few debts, such as child support or student loan debt, that can't be bankrupted. If the debt collector tries to tell you that your debts, which do not fall into those categories, cannot be bankrupted, take a note of it, look up the debt type, and report them to your state's attorney general office.

Do not hesitate or stall when determining if filing for bankruptcy is the correct choice for your life and situation. It's hard to admit you need assistance, but the longer you decide to wait, the worse the debt can get. Speaking with a professional quickly will provide you with the advice you need before things spiral out of control.

A lot of people do not realize that there is more than one type of bankruptcy before they read this article. Don't be overwhelmed by the great wealth of information available to you. Take a few minutes to turn the information over in your mind and see how it might be useful to you. Then you will be prepared to make informed decisions about bankruptcy and your financial future.




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