The decision to file for personal bankruptcy is a decision that is to be taken very seriously. To come to the best decision for your situation, you need a few tips and pieces of advice that can help. Take the time to read the following article and you should be better prepared for the process of bankruptcy.
Stay positive. It can be really hard to stay positive when you are filing for bankruptcy, but a positive outlook can make everything seem to run more smoothly. Being angry and upset will not change the reality of the situation, so try to make the most of things. You will, at least, be able to feel better.
A critical tip for anyone considering a personal bankruptcy filing, is to make sure not to wait too long to seek relief. Delaying a bankruptcy filing can result in potentially devastating events , including home foreclosure, wage garnishments, and bank levies. By making a timely decision to file, it is possible to maximize your future financial options. Getting a clean start faster than you may have thought possible.
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.
After your bankruptcy has been discharged, or finalized, a good way to begin re-building your credit is to obtain a pre-paid credit card. This type of card is usually available at your local bank. The card is secured by the amount of money you load onto it. You can not charge more than what you have loaded onto the card, so over-spending shouldn't be a problem. It works like a regular credit card, with monthly statements and payments. After you have kept this card in good standing for a period of time, you may be able to have it switched into a regular, revolving credit card.
Consider filing Chapter 13 rather than Chapter 7, if you are facing foreclosure. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows you to create a restructured payment plan which includes your mortgage arrears. This will allow you to get your mortgage payments current, so that you won't lose your home. Chapter 13 doesn't require you to turn over property, so you don't have to worry about the homestead exemption, either.
You do not need to be bankrupt to file for personal bankruptcy. In 1898 the term was changed from "bankrupt" to "debtor" so that people could more readily understand that an inability to pay bills is the main qualifying factor in filing for personal bankruptcy. Most people who file are not, in fact, completely bankrupt.
Be selective. You may have learned that you must continue to pay for auto and home loans, and to stop paying your credit card bills immediately. That money could be put to much better use somewhere else. Continuing payments on these accounts is wasted money. Apply it to the lines of credit that you plan to keep.
Although the entire process can be stressful, do not allow the stress to take over. It's easy to be stressed during this time. You do not want to have to deal with depression in addition to your financial troubles, so you should take steps to keep yourself happy. Life will get better; you just need to make it through the bankruptcy process.
When you file for bankruptcy, remember to include all credit and debit accounts. You should even include those credit cards that do not have a balance. Some people leave these out because they wish to keep these accounts open. In addition, you need to include all the information about any auto loans that you may have.
File bankruptcy before time runs out to avoid harsh penalties. If you wait too long to file, you may be forced to pay fees through garnishments taken from your bank accounts, foreclosure or even through wages. Early filing can also help prevent extensive reviews of your bankruptcy filing qualifications that may disqualify you.
Do not be afraid to file for bankruptcy. Sometimes people find themselves so overwhelmed with debt that they just decide to do nothing and bury their heads in the sand. This is the worst thing that a person could possibly do. Instead, they should file for bankruptcy because by doing so, they are taking positive affirmative action and giving themselves another chance at managing their finances.
Bankruptcy can get expensive, especially since you are considering it because you have no money! There are attorney fees, filing fees and other fees to consider. When interviewing prospective bankruptcy attorneys, try to find one who is willing to set up a payment schedule for his fees. There are some who will do this. Some will require some sort of collateral to guarantee payment. Before you agree to this, be sure the terms are clear and how re-payment will be made so that you don't risk losing something valuable.
You should now be better prepared for the plethora of decisions that you will face, if you have decided to go through with bankruptcy. Use all of the tips and advice that were included in this article, to help walk you through the long process of filing personal bankruptcy, the best way possible.
