Anyone who files for bankruptcy has had feelings of stress and worry. That is usually due to lack of knowledge about what bankruptcy means and what the ramifications of bankruptcy are. Here are just a few of the things you should know about bankruptcy, so that you can remain calm and positive about your financial life.
Getting unsecured credit post-bankruptcy will likely be difficult. Look into getting a secured credit card in order to get back on your feet with building credit. This will show other people that you’re serious when it comes to having your credit record in order. If you pay your secured card off on time, you’ll eventually find that companies will start offering you unsecured credit.
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.
Be safe and hire an attorney for help. There are many websites these days that claim to walk you through the process of filing bankruptcy on your own. It is cheaper than using an attorney to get you through this time, but it leaves a lot of room for error. This is not something that you want to take chances on.
You do not need to be bankrupt to file for personal bankruptcy. In 1898 the term was changed from “bankrupt” to “debtor” so that people could more readily understand that an inability to pay bills is the main qualifying factor in filing for personal bankruptcy. Most people who file are not, in fact, completely bankrupt.
Do not neglect your health. During the bankruptcy process, it can often feel like you are losing everything and many people see no reason to continue looking after their body and mind. While it is true that, during the process, you might lose your home, your car and the family jewels, you need to remember that neither your creditors nor a bankruptcy judge can take away your health.
Don’t repay personal debt to friends and family before filing for bankruptcy. Although you may feel obligated to pay these people back first, it is not a wise decision. Because you must reveal this information when you file for bankruptcy, the trustee can legally ask for this money back or sue for it.
The best thing you can do when filing for bankruptcy is to hire an attorney. In addition to providing you a free consultation, an attorney takes care of handling all the necessary paperwork in the appropriate time frame and deals with creditors for you throughout the process. An attorney just makes the whole process easier. Even though they can be expensive, bankruptcy lawyers are invaluable during the bankruptcy process.
After reading this article, you now have information that should make you feel more secure about the bankruptcy proceedings you may be experiencing. Knowledge can always shed a light on things, and bankruptcy can be easier dealt with, if you use the tips in this article to get through the process.