Financial difficulties, such as, high credit card debts, a job loss, illness or other expenses can put a family into a deep financial hole that they cannot climb out of. Personal bankruptcy, while not always the best solution, does offer a way out for some people. Continue reading for some tips on personal bankruptcy and whether it makes sense for you.
A useful tip for those thinking about filing for personal bankruptcy is, to keep in mind that any damage to your credit history caused by the filing is temporary. While there is no doubt that your score will take a noticeable hit, following your bankruptcy discharge, by using the process to start fresh. You have the ability to put yourself on a stronger financial footing going forward. This will allow you to rebuild your credit score faster than you may expect.
Decide whether you want to file for Chapter 7, or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. As an individual, you may do either one. Find out as much as you can about each type of bankruptcy, so you are able to make a choice that you can live with in the future.
Make sure that you pay all of your bills on time, since this will contribute to 35 percent of what is on your credit report. This looks good if you are trying to rebuild your credit after you have had to file for bankruptcy. Making on-time payments will increase your credit score.
Don’t think of bankruptcy as the ruination of your financial future. Once your bankruptcy has been discharged, you can begin to work on re-building your credit right away. By continuing to make timely monthly payments and not applying for new credit, you can significantly raise your credit score within 6 months. And, if you maintain good credit for that amount of time, you may find it possible to get approval for loans to make large purchases, such as a home or car.
Look for a bankruptcy attorney that belongs to the NACBA (The National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys). When you are filing for bankruptcy, it is essential that you hire the services of an experienced and reputable bankruptcy attorney. Attorneys that are members of the NACBA, are also, members of a well-respected consumer bankruptcy organization, so you can be sure that you will be getting the best legal advice available.
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.
As you can probably see, personal bankruptcy is an involved process that requires you to disclose a large amount of personal information. There are many alternatives to filing for bankruptcy. A clear assessment of your financial situation can help you make the best decision regarding personal bankruptcy and whether it is the right choice for you.
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