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.
You should look into and understand which debts are eligible to be written-off under bankruptcy. There are certain loans, such as student loans, that do not qualify. By understanding which debts you can write-off, you can make a better decision when trying to figure out if bankruptcy is the right choice for you.
If you are thinking about paying off your tax obligations with a credit card and then filing bankruptcy, think again. In most states, this is not dischargeable debt. Therefore, you will end up owing the IRS a lot of money. Keep in mind that if the tax debt is eligible to be discharged, then the credit card debt is also dischargeable. There isn’t any reason to use a credit card to pay the tax bill since the bill can be discharged anyway.
Think through your decision to file for bankruptcy carefully before going ahead with it. You have better options. For example, you could try credit counseling. Bankruptcy has a negative effect on your credit reports, in that it is permanently there. Before you take this step, make sure all your options have been considered.
Consider hiring an attorney who specializes in personal bankruptcy. Although most states allow you to file for bankruptcy without a lawyer, your case could be dismissed if you don’t fill out your paperwork correctly, and you may need to file additional motions to protect your property or discharge certain debts. A bankruptcy attorney can help ensure that you get the outcome you hope for when you file.
Rather than checking online, try to get recommendations from friends or family about a suitable bankruptcy attorney. There are plenty of companies who know how to take advantage of people who seem desperate, and it’s important to be sure your bankruptcy can go smoothly; take your time and choose someone you can trust.
Stay positive. When you file for personal bankruptcy, you may even be able to retrieve personal property that has been repossessed. For example you may be able to get your car, electronics and even jewelry returned to you. You may be able to recover repossessed property if the repossession occurred fewer than 90 days ago. Get the advice of a qualified attorney who can advise you about ways to accomplish this.
Know your rights when it comes to filing for personal bankruptcy. The last thing you need now, is a hassle from the legal professional that you hire to represent you. A few years ago, the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act was made into law, in order to protect financially strapped consumers from being ripped off. Beware and be informed!
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.
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