When you file for bankruptcy, you might be left wondering what is left for you to do now. With your credit badly injured, you will soon realize that your options are very limited. Yet, hope is not all lost, and there are ways you can still live a comfortable life, even if you have filed for bankruptcy.
One you realize you are in financial trouble and have decided to file for personal bankruptcy you should move quickly. Waiting to the last minute to file bankruptcy can cause a number of issues. You may face negative repercussions such as wage or bank account garnishment or foreclosure on your home. You can also not leave time enough for a thorough review of your financial situation, which will limit your available options.
Many people do not know that student loans are not dischargeable debt under bankruptcy laws. Do not go into your bankruptcy thinking that your student loans will be discharged, because only in cases of extreme hardship are they considered. If the job you received from pursuing your degree will never allow you to pay off your debt, you may have a chance, but it is highly unlikely.
Be aware that getting unsecured credit is going to be tough once you've gone through bankruptcy. If this is so, apply for a secured card or two. They offer you the chance to demonstrate the seriousness with which you now take your financial obligations. In time, you might be granted unsecured credit again.
If you have had to file for bankruptcy, you should assess the reasons why to make sure that you do not end up in that situation again. For example, if it was for paying too many bills late, you can set up automatic payments so you will not have that problem in the future.
Seriously consider if bankruptcy is the right choice for you. If you do not owe too much in credit card debt and medical bills, you might be able to handle the debts yourself with credit counselors and payment arrangements. Bankruptcy can be a serious financial choice, so make sure you consider all your options carefully.
If you can, keep some of your debt out of your bankruptcy. Work on paying down this debt yourself, or especially if you can negotiate a lower rate or new payment terms. This will help to preserve your credit rating, to some extent, because bankruptcy itself will do a number on your score.
Make sure you have a solid understanding of which debts can be eliminated by bankruptcy, and which ones cannot. Debts like student loans, child support or alimony payments, and taxes, are generally not discharged through bankruptcy. Bankruptcy can help if your wages are being garnished or if you have large unsecured debts, like, credit cards and utility bills.
Be aware that most bankruptcy lawyers will offer a free consultation. Take advantage of that and meet with several of them. If it's handled in 15 minutes or less, if you meet with the assistant instead of the lawyer, or if you're pressured to sign up immediately in person or by phone, go somewhere else.
An important tip regarding personal bankruptcy is, gaining an understanding of what sorts of debts can, and cannot be included in a discharge. By realizing that some obligations are not considered dischargeable under the bankruptcy code, it is possible to make a wiser, more informed choice when it comes to making the decision to file a petition.
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.
If you have financial issues due to something like a drinking, drug, or gambling problem, get help instead of immediately filing for bankruptcy. You will continue to have financial issues if you have serious problems with, spending lots of money on these items. Try getting into counseling as soon as you can, to better your situation.
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.
Before filing for bankruptcy, keep in mind that child support will not be discharged in a bankruptcy case. The reason for this is that child support is a responsibility that a parent must pay. Bankruptcy does not remove that responsibility. Be sure to include any child support in your list of debts that will remain with you after the bankruptcy is discharged.
Credit scoring companies do not always stay on top of things, when it comes to removing your bankruptcy from their files when the time has come. So be sure to stay on top of this. If you notice that it is not taken off your records, make a copy of your discharge notice, along with a letter requesting that they remove this.
Stop using your credit card. If you are filing for bankruptcy, refrain from using your credit card a few months in advance. A court will, generally, frown upon any frivolous charges showing up on your personal bank statements. Try to keep in mind how your bank activity will appear to a judge.
With all of the advice you got from this article, you should start feeling optimistic about the future. Bankruptcy might have deterred you from your normal path in life, but remember that you can reclaim your focus and still live comfortably. Use the information you got today about bankruptcy and plan out your future.
Orignal From: Get Through Your Bankruptcy With These Tips
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