TOP 10 BANKRUPTCY QUESTIONS

1. What is Bankruptcy?

This is one of the most common bankruptcy questions. There are a number of myths about bankruptcy and as a result many people misunderstand the process of filing for bankruptcy. Essentially, bankruptcy is a type of legal proceeding in which you legally declare that you are not able to pay all of the money that you owe. It grants consumers a fresh financial start while also providing the opportunity to potentially repay creditors in an orderly fashion.

2. What are the Advantages of Bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy makes it possible for consumers to stop foreclosure on their home and provides an opportunity to catch up on payments that have been missed. It may also prevent a vehicle or other property from being repossessed. In addition, bankruptcy can stop wage garnishment and harassment by debt collectors. Bankruptcy can also provide a discharge of debts.

3. What Won´t Bankruptcy Do For Me?

This is another of the most frequently asked bankruptcy questions and it is important to understand that bankruptcy will not cure all of your financial problems. It is not the right choice for everyone, so it should be understood that bankruptcy will not eliminate certain types of debts, especially those that are secured. Secured types of debt include mortgages and car loans. In addition, bankruptcy will not discharge special treatment debts such as alimony, child support, certain student loans, criminal fines and certain taxes.

4. How Often Can You File For Bankruptcy?

It depends on the type of bankruptcy that is filed. You can file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy 8 years after the date of the last time you filed. Chapter 13 bankruptcy can be filed again at any time.

5. What is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

Ultimately, the goal of this type of bankruptcy is to discharge your debts. In order to wipe out those debts; however, you will need to give up all non-exempt property. Exemptions will need to be applied and it is important to speak with your bankruptcy attorney ahead of time to determine exactly what property is exempt and which is non-exempt before your bankruptcy petition is filed.

6. Can Bankruptcy Stop Foreclosure?

Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection sometimes can be the best way for debtors to keep their houses and deal with their creditors. One of the advantages of filing bankruptcy is what the debtor’s ability to stop foreclosure without creditor acceptance through the automatic stay. This might be a temporary solution, but will give you time to negotiate something with your creditors.

7. Who Should Consider Filing for Bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy is ideally designed for individuals who feel as though they are overwhelmed by financial problems.

8. Will my Credit be Ruined if I File for Bankruptcy?

While your credit will not be completely ruined if you file for bankruptcy, it will remain on your credit report for up to ten years. If you have a regular, decent income you will typically find that you can receive credit even after filing for bankruptcy. Most people find they can still purchase an automobile after filing for bankruptcy and can then begin rebuilding their credit from there.

9. What is an Automatic Stay?

An automatic stay is a restraint that prevents your creditors from taking any subsequent action to collect debts. The automatic stay is filed immediately after your bankruptcy petition is filed.

10. Will My Employer Know I Filed for Bankruptcy?

It should be understood that bankruptcy petitions are public records. Normally; however, your employer will not know you have filed a petition for bankruptcy unless you owe him or her money and they are a creditor.

11. Can I File for Bankruptcy for Free?

Many consumers who are facing the possibility of filing personal bankruptcy are not only concerned with the personal costs to their credit, finances and assets, but also wonder about how much it costs to file bankruptcy. It is not a free filing with any court since there are forms, documents and requirements that must be submitted even if an individual does all the legal work themselves. Usually, a chapter 7 bankruptcy can be filed with the court for under $300 in fees.

12. Where Can I Get Info on How to File Bankruptcy?

The Internet has a wealth of information about filing bankruptcy, just like our site does. You can hire an attorney if you have the money to do so, we believe in most cases this is unnecessary. With a good bankruptcy service most bankruptcies are faster and easier than many people think.

Getting answers to your bankruptcy questions is an excellent way to determine whether filing for bankruptcy may be the right option for you.