Understanding The Pros And Cons Of Bankruptcy
Understanding the pros and cons of filing for bankruptcy can help you make a better decision as to pursue bankruptcy or not. This article presents some of it advantages and disadvantages that you should carefully consider.
The Pros of Bankruptcy
There are instances when filing for bankruptcy is the only sensible step to do. Since the amendment of the new bankruptcy law, it is mandatory that consumers complete a credit counseling course at least six months prior to bankruptcy. Thus, if other solutions are possible, the person doesn’t have to go through the whole bankruptcy process.
Once bankruptcy is filed, the applicant must take up the Income Means Test to determine which type of bankruptcy he/she would be eligible for. A Chapter bankruptcy discharges the borrower from all debts while a Chapter 13 bankruptcy places the borrower under a repayment program which may at last up to 5 years.
The Cons of Bankruptcy
What about the disadvantages of filing for bankruptcy? First, a record of bankruptcy is a derogatory mark and it will stay in your personal credit report for seven years. Applying for new accounts may become more difficult with a record of bankruptcy in your name. Nevertheless, opening a new account isn’t an impossible feat. By doing your own research, you should be able to find a reliable lending company that will grant approval.
Yes, you can rebuild your credit history over time, but completely regaining good credit status can be a slow process. Remember that after bankruptcy, your past credit history would be deleted and you would have to start from scratch. Of course, you’ll need to open new accounts and to be able to keep up with your payments religiously.
Going through a bankruptcy procedure requires money and time. To be sure that you can fill out the bankruptcy documents correctly, it is advisable to get assistance from a bankruptcy attorney. Many lawyers that specialize in bankruptcy cases require a small service charge but it is up to you to ensure that you’ll be hiring someone with experience and someone you can trust.
Should Your File for Bankruptcy?
This can be a difficult question to answer especially when you’re in the middle of a bad debt situation. To be able to come up with the right decision, you should carefully weigh your alternatives and study your financial situation. Never make decisions in a hurry.
If you’re really confused about what to do, consult a reliable credit counselor and ask for professional advice. A legitimate credit counseling agency should be able to help you decide whether bankruptcy is best or whether you can seek out other solutions.
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