Uttering the word “bankruptcy” was once taboo. Anyone that found themselves over their head in debt without any way out would only consider such an option in total secrecy. However, as more people find their way deeper in debt the stigmatism associated with these words is quickly evaporating.
So, if you find that you are over your head financially and cannot see a way out, you should consider taking the help of professionals from accrediteddebtrelief.com as they might be able to find a way that is better than filing for bankruptcy. However, if you are sure to file for bankruptcy, you should also know that you will suffer some backlash for years and your credit will be affected badly. Here are some things you should consider before filing for bankruptcy.
1. There Is More Than One Bankruptcy
There are at least two different types of bankruptcies for individuals. Chapter 7 allows an individual to completely liquidate their assets and then use the money received to pay off their creditors. In Chapter 7, some physical assets you own can be excluded from the process (car, home, and personal possessions). In Chapter 13, your debt is reorganized with the courts help so you can pay off most of it.
2. It’s A Long Process
Going through bankruptcy proceedings is not as cut and dry as it seems. It is not like you will file and the next day and it’s all over. Expect to spend a minimum of four months going through the entire process if you are filing for Chapter 7. Chapters 11 and 13 could easily take years before it is all over.
3. Your Finances Are Opened Up For Public Scrutiny
Usually, when people are in serious debt, they try to hide their personal financial situation. When you file for bankruptcy though, get ready to go public. Your financial record will be exposed to the public listing all of your debts, assets, expenses, and income – mistakes and all. You will be asked probing questions in front of creditors, which can be very embarrassing.
4. Some Debts Cannot Be Discharged
When filing for Chapter 7, some debts like credit cards, repossessions, medical bills, and unpaid rent may be discharged, but there are some debts that cannot. If it is revealed that you made excessive use of your credit just prior to filing bankruptcy, creditors can challenge the request to eliminate them. You may not be able to get rid of some debts and end up footing the bill for them anyway. If you are unsure about the entire procedure, you may seek advice from the professionals from kanialaw.com. They would be able to help you in such stressful situations.
5. It’s A Complicated Process
Filing for bankruptcy is not easy. You will be required to fill out many confusing and difficult forms, that contain complex questions in relation to your finances. It is not a process that can be rushed so make sure you have adequate time to understand and fill everything out honestly and as accurately as possible. This is why most people opt to use a bankruptcy attorney to walk them through the process.
6. It Will Affect Your Credit Score
While there are many factors that go into determining your credit score, expect that you will get at least some negative impact. On average, a person’s score could expect to drop as much as 200 points, which could be very damaging. This could kick you off a good credit rating for several years after you file.
7. It Is Not Cheap
The cost of filing for bankruptcy can vary depending on individual circumstances, but it will cost you. Some people can save on bankruptcy fees by filing all the forms themselves, but even then, there are expensive filing fees that need to be covered. If you hire an attorney to do much of the grunt work for you, then expect to pay anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on how much work is involved.
Filing for bankruptcy is one way, but it comes with many challenges. Before you file, make sure you fully understand everything that is involved so you can navigate safely through the complex process.
