Before You File for Bankruptcy

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If you’re having a lot of credit and debt issues, you may have considered filing for bankruptcy. This is often a last resort when it comes to personal finances and is not a decision that should be made overnight. Before you file for bankruptcy, be sure that you’ve explored and exhausted all possible options. Take a look at some of the tips and advice in this post for other things to think about before filing for bankruptcy.

Filing for bankruptcy is often the last step to take when it comes to resolving personal finance issues. Here are some things to consider before you file for bankruptcy.

Personal bankruptcy is a big step for many people, and it is a legitimate tool that helps people get out from under a mountain of debt. Many borrowers successfully build their credit after filing bankruptcy, and continue on with success in their financial lives. Find out the real reason you are filing for bankruptcy. What happened in your life that brought you to this place? What do you need to do to make sure that you can move on? What actions do you need to take before you can be sure that this will never happen again?

Things to Consider Before You File For Bankruptcy

Do not forget to list the name of any of the creditors that you would like to be included when you file for bankruptcy. Any creditor that is not listed will not be included. This means that you will still owe them the entire balance that is on your account.

Be very careful if you are a small-business owner and are considering filing for bankruptcy because you may be personally responsible for the full value of your leased property. While there is not much you can do if you are filing for bankruptcy, you need to seek counsel on asset protection before you start your business.

When you file personal bankruptcy, this is a matter of public record. You need to be aware that your name may appear in the news and in newspapers. If you do not want people knowing your financial situation, this may not be the best option for you and your situation.

If you are considering filing for divorce and bankruptcy, file the bankruptcy first. This could save you money in family attorney fees and make the financial aspect of the divorce much simpler. There are certain situations when this is not the best idea. Check with a bankruptcy lawyer before you do anything. You can Learn More here about how a bankruptcy lawyer can help you file for a bankruptcy claim. 

Start taking calls from bill collectors. You may have been avoiding calls from bill collectors, but if you are filing bankruptcy you may need to speak to them. You need to have all of your debts laid out so that your lawyer can get to work involving them in your case. If you don’t include a debt, it will not be discharged, and you will still have to pay it.

Don’t let bill collectors convince you that you are ineligible for bankruptcy. Debt collectors do not want you to file bankruptcy under any circumstances because it means that they will not get the money you owe them, so they will always tell you that you do not qualify when given the chance. The only way to truly know if you qualify is to do some research or speak with a bankruptcy attorney.

Hire an attorney to help you through the complex process of filing. Not only can an attorney help you win your case, but an attorney will also be able to answer any questions or concerns you may have. The attorney will help you gather all of the information needed so you spend less time waiting as well.

Be prepared to complete some mandatory courses. When you file for bankruptcy, the court will require that you successfully complete two mandatory courses, a credit counseling course and a debtor education course. Both of these courses can be completed online for a nominal fee, and while they are not too difficult, it is important that you are prepared for them.

Honesty may never have been as important as it will be when going through personal bankruptcy. Hiding income or assets may result in a dismissal from the court. It could also mean that you will be barred from ever having the opportunity to file for bankruptcy any time in the future.

Know that calls and letters from your creditors will stop after you declare bankruptcy. Whether you file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, the people to whom you owe debts are forbidden from harassing you about your debt. If you receive a lot of collection calls, freeing yourself from this constant contact can be a huge relief.

Make sure that you know which of your assets you will lose when you declare yourself bankrupt. While filing for bankruptcy may seem like a great way to clear the slate and start again with your finances, you need to understand that most of your assets will be seized during the process.

Remember that bankruptcy takes an emotional toll, and prepare yourself for the feelings that may accompany the process. Feelings of shame and depression are common, even if you ultimately feel relieved. Ensure that you have an adequate support network of friends and family to help you through the tough times you may experience.

Filing personal bankruptcy can provide you with a safe haven from creditors and bill collectors. Navigating your way through bankruptcy to a debt-free life can help get you on the road to a more positive financial future. Personal bankruptcy is not for everyone, but it is worth investigating to see if it makes sense for you.

Have you considered filing for bankruptcy or have you filed for bankruptcy in the past? What advice would you share?

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Kori

Digital Product Creator at Kori at Home
Hey there! I'm Kori, a neurodivergent mom and certified Life Coach, here to empower moms raising neurodiverse families. Diagnosed with ADHD and Autism at 37, I've turned my passion for neuronerdery into practical parenting tools. With a stack of coaching certifications and a love for 80s pop culture, Marvel movies, and all things brainy, I'm here to help you and your family thrive in this neurotypical world.

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