Sometimes, life deals you a bad hand. One thing leads to another and you wind up having to declare bankruptcy, in order to protect yourself and your family. Even if you have lost this round, bankruptcy proceedings can give you a chance to stack the deck in your favor for your next round.
If you are filing bankruptcy mainly because of credit card debt, you may want to consider debt settlement. Credit card companies know that if a person files bankruptcy, they will get little or no re-payment for the debt that person owes. However, if you ask to settle with them for 50 per cent of the total debt, they will at least get some of their money back. It’s worth a try!
Work with a reputable credit counseling agency. If you have decided to file for bankruptcy, work with a credit counseling agency that has the approval of the US Trustee’s Office. They will provide a 90 minute mandatory counseling session, after which they will determine if you qualify for a Debt Management Plan. They will also issue you with a certificate that allows you to file for bankruptcy.
Knowing that you are required to disclose anything that you have sold, given away or transferred in the two years prior to filing can help you avoid a costly mistake. Full disclosure is required. Not disclosing everything can land you in jail or a discharge of your personal bankruptcy petition.
Always be honest in reporting all income, assets and debts when filing bankruptcy. If you hide any financial information, whether it is intentional or accidental, you run the risk of being barred from filing bankruptcy on those debts listed in your original bankruptcy petition in the future, which means you will have no relief from your financial burdens.
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.
You should educate yourself in the proper procedures for filing bankruptcy in order to avoid violating any laws. Some people attempt to pay-off friends or family that they owe money to prior to filing to protect them. This is prohibited by bankruptcy law as you must not pay off select creditors or family in specific time frames prior to filing.
If you lose your job, or otherwise face a financial crisis after filing Chapter 13, contact your trustee immediately. If you don’t pay your Chapter 13 payment on time, your trustee can request that your bankruptcy be dismissed. You may need to modify your Chapter 13 plan if, you are unable to pay the agreed-upon amount.
Bankruptcy usually signifies a losing conclusion to a chapter in your life, but it is also a turning point and a reset button. If you apply the ideas and advice given in this article and keep your cool throughout the process, you might just find yourself in really good circumstances on the other side.