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Filing For Bankruptcy

By Expert Author: John Rivers | Article Abstract
Word Count: 391 words | Views: 104 view(s)
Bankruptcy should be seen as the last resort for people who have got themselves into too much debt. It may seem the answer to all your prayers but bankruptcy is only able to solve certain debt issues. Remember, if you have filed for bankruptcy you may find it difficult to obtain credit in the future unless your bankruptcy has been cleared, or discharged for a number of years.

Bankruptcy is very good for wiping out credit card debt. Unless you have a special secured credit card, your credit card balance is an unsecured debt. That means that the credit card company has no hold on anything that belongs to you if you do not pay back your debt. This is specifically the kind of debt that bankruptcy is designed to remove. Apart from credit card debt, you may have other unsecured debts, and bankruptcy can eradicate these as well. However, bankruptcy will not discharge your obligations to some other kinds of debts, including child support, alimony, tax debts, student loans, and any secured debts.

If you are reading this then the chances are that you are considering filing for bankruptcy. Your debts have got to the point where you cannot afford the monthly payments that your creditors are demanding. However, there are numerous bankruptcy alternatives. The most important thing is not to panic and to sit down and look at your financial situation.

If you reach the stage where you are in so much debt that you are considering bankruptcy then there are a number of measures that you can take to avoid bankruptcy. Firstly, you should cut up all of your credit cards. This may seem drastic, but it is the only way to avoid bankruptcy by guaranteeing that you do not increase your level of debt by charging more onto your credit cards.

All lenders would prefer to receive some money rather than none at all and when you file for bankruptcy a number of your creditors will receive little or none of the proceeds. This is especially the case with your unsecured loans, such as credit cards. You should contact all of the people that you owe money to and explain the situation. Most will work out a repayment schedule with you as a bankruptcy alternative, giving you longer to pay off what you owe and sometimes even freezing the interest.
John Rivers

About the Author/Author Bio

John Rivers is owner of Financial Advisory Network. His website offers information on financial planning, estate planning, and investment management.

Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/Article/Filing-For-Bankruptcy/10879

Article Submitted: 2006-02-15 | This Article has been viewed 104 times.

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A typical question when someone files for bankruptcy is how does it affect their mortgage? This usually depends on what type of bankruptcy is filed, and whether they choose to include their mortgage in the bankruptcy plan. Many people don't realize that when filing for bankruptcy they can choose to file without including certain debts, such as a mortgage. As long as the mortgage is up to date and they can continue to make payments, it is possible that the bankruptcy plan can be filed without including their mortgage lender in the bankruptcy plan.
The entrepreneurial spirit is one of the touchstones of American culture that has made our country so strong. The willingness of driven individuals to step out and risk their financial stability for the sake of a business they believe in has been a catalyst of our country's growth. However, a recent study by the University of Nevada showed that one in seven bankruptcies are filed by individuals tying to cope with the failure of a small business. While corporations or partnerships cannot file for bankruptcy, Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are often used by entrepreneurs who are trying to deal with personal and business debt.
Most credit specialists agree that the worst possible credit entry on your credit statement is a bankruptcy! Whether you have filed a Chapter 13 or Chapter 7, it demonstrates a complete failure in managing your credit, regardless of why you filed.
Bankruptcy can be devastating to your personal credit file - and most post-bankruptcy credit scores plummet drastically once your bankruptcy is made a part of your permanent credit record. Do not feel alone in your situation - there are thousands of borrowers who find that they have no alternative other than to file bankruptcy when they get to a point where they have overextended themselves financially.
Filing for bankruptcy is not an easy decision to come to, especially since it leaves such a mark on your credit history. Unlike items that have gone into collections remaining on your credit report for seven years, a bankruptcy discharge remains there for ten years.
If you have been contemplating bankruptcy then it means you have not been able to manage your finances like you wanted to. However, declaring bankruptcy is a big step. It reflects on your account for 7 to 10 years and may influence lenders' decision in future when you apply for another loan. It is always a better idea to clear off your debts instead of filing bankruptcy.
Sometimes finances get past the point of being salvageable; it might be in your best interests to file bankruptcy. But if you can avoid filing bankruptcy, it is worthwhile to make the effort, to save your credit, status and long lasting negative effects of filing bankruptcy.
 
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