Once the province of the truly unfortunate, personal bankruptcy has become far more common in light of the financial meltdown of recent years. In order to understand the potential benefits and pitfalls of the bankruptcy process, knowledge is critical. Take the tips in this article to heart, and you will be on your way to building a sound financial future.
If you have to file bankruptcy, get a lawyer to look over your paperwork before you file. Bankruptcy laws can be very complex, and if you do not have a lawyer, you can get yourself in trouble. Not only are there legal issues that you could face, but you could also end up losing property and cash that you think are protected.
Think twice if you have struck upon the idea of paying off your taxes by credit card and subsequently filing for personal bankruptcy. In many parts of the country, you cannot get this debt discharged, and in the end you will be left owing the IRS a big sum of money. If the tax can be discharged, so can the debt. Therefore, you have no reason for use of a credit card, if the amount is to be discharged in due process of the bankruptcy.
Don't be afraid to apply for credit for purchases such as a new home or car just because you have a recently discharged bankruptcy. Many lenders will take your new financial situation into account. They may be more likely to loan money to someone who has no debt due to a bankruptcy than to the person with, say, 75,000 dollars in credit card debt. The fact that you have no monthly credit card payments can make you look like a better risk.
A useful tip for those thinking about using personal bankruptcy as a way out of their financial difficulties is to exercise great care when choosing an attorney. By selecting a practitioner who specializes in bankruptcy and who has handled a large number of such cases, it is possible to ensure the very best outcome and the greatest likelihood of forging a positive financial future.
Personal bankruptcy should be a last resort if you're in insolvency. This is due to the fact that it will take years for the bankruptcy to work off your credit report and new law changes make it harder to escape paying the debts off. In other words, you could have bankruptcy on your credit report and still be paying off several of your debts.
Speak to a bankruptcy attorney about what new laws may be going into effect before your bankruptcy filing. Bankruptcy laws are in constant flux, so just because you knew the law last year doesn't mean that the laws will be the same this year. If you are not sure about the current laws all you have to do is look into what laws have been passed.
Think carefully before filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy. While Chapter 7 bankruptcy (irreversible insolvency) will effectively get rid of all your debts, allowing you to start afresh, it will also be on your credit report for 10 years. This will greatly reduce your chances of getting any type of credit in the future. Consult with a bankruptcy attorney - he or she may be able to suggest a different form of debt relief that won't have such a damaging effect on your credit.
Look at all of the options. Although bankruptcy can be highly damaging to your credit score when you file, it may actually help you in the future. It will remain on your credit report for ten years, but if filing for bankruptcy helps you overcome your debt now, it will be better for your credit score than making late credit card and loan payments for the rest of your life.
If you are planning to file for 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.
A good personal bankruptcy tip is to be absolutely sure that you've gone through all of your options before you decide to file for bankruptcy. If the amount you owe is relatively small, you can always try to negotiate it by working through a credit counselor and making small payments.
Do not cosign on any type of loan during or after your bankruptcy. Because you cannot file for bankruptcy again for many years, you will be on the hook for the debt if the person for whom you are cosigning is unable to meet his or her financial obligation. You must do whatever you can to keep your record clean.
Prior to filing for bankruptcy, purge from your vocabulary the word "shame". It is not uncommon for bankruptcies to elicit feelings of guilt, remorse and embarrassment. However, having this feeling about yourself isn't going to help anybody, and your health could even be compromised. These difficult financial times can easily take their toll on anyone. One of the best ways to cope with the situation is to maintain a positive attitude.
A good personal bankruptcy tip is, to be careful up until the time that you file for bankruptcy. If they see that you've just been driving the debt up higher, and higher to take advantage of the system, they'll probably prevent you from filing for bankruptcy altogether. Don't let this happen.
For those who have never previously filed for personal bankruptcy or do not know anyone who has, the process itself may seem embarrassing, if not even shameful. However, bankruptcy filings have become quite commonplace, and pride alone should not cause the idea of filing to be disregarded by anyone who is on shaky financial ground. By using the advice contained in the above piece, it is possible to determine whether bankruptcy is a smart choice for you.
Orignal From: What Everyone Should Know Before Filing For Personal Bankruptcy
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