Federal laws allow people to be freed from their debts and start over with a clean slate.The road to a fresh start is more complicated now that the laws have changed in 2005.There are different types of bankruptcy, and the procedure for filing them.
Step 1: There are other options to consider.
It should only be used as a last resort.If you want to pay off your debts, try other options.Try to negotiate a loan settlement or repayment plan with your creditor.If you are not underwater on your loan, you can try a short sale of assets.If you decide to file for bankruptcy, you should consult with a debt management agency.
Step 2: Analyze your debt.
Even if you declare bankruptcy, certain kinds of debt can't be erased.Take all of your debt and divide it into categories that can't be discharged.If the majority of your debt can't be erased, it may not be the right option for you.There are specific provisions in each state for exempt assets.It's important to check state law.There are certain types of debt that cannot be discharged in a bankruptcy.
Step 3: You should know which assets are exempt from seizure.
There are some assets that are protected under state law when it comes to bankruptcy proceedings.Depending on your state's laws, the exempted assets will depend on the type of bankruptcy you are filing.Assets can be completely protected or protected up to a certain value.If you have an automobile exemption of $5,000, you can keep a $4,000 car, but not a $20,000 one.Cars, wedding rings and your home are protected assets.Wild card exemptions allow you to keep up to a certain amount of other valuable assets.Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows you to keep all of your assets, but you can reduce your liability by selling assets of significant value.
Step 4: Debt for cosigners isn't erased by bankruptcy.
If you can't pay, the cosigner will pay your debt.When you graduated from college, your parent may have cosigned your auto loan because you had little or no credit.A cosigner on your loan is still obligated to repay your debt if you declare bankruptcy.Even if you declare bankruptcy, your parent will still have to repay the car loan.
Step 5: There are different kinds of bankruptcy.
Under the rules of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, bankruptcies are handled in federal court.There are several different kinds of bankruptcy in the U.S.They are usually referred to by their chapter.Chapter 7 can be filed by individuals and businesses.Liquidation may be used to pay off debts.You have the option of paying the creditor a lump sum equal to the current value of the property, or you can eliminate the secured debt.You have to have a certain level of income to qualify for Chapter 7.Chapter 13 is also known as a wage earner.If you have a reliable source of income, you can propose a repayment plan to your debts that will pay them back over the next three to five years.In secured debt, your debts must be less than $1,149,525.The amount of debt owed is not the same as the amount received by the creditor.Chapter 9 allows cities, towns, villages, taxing districts, municipal utilities, and school districts to reorganize.Chapter 11 or Chapter 7 can be used to reorganize businesses.Chapter 12 is similar to Chapter 13.80% or more of the debt is from the operation of a family farm or fishery.
Step 6: Understand the consequences of bankruptcy.
There are different kinds of debt that can be erased and different types of debts that won't be forgiven.Cosigners have an impact on your loans.Is it possible to live with the negative impact of bankruptcy on your credit?Do you qualify for bankruptcy?Your credit is the most important factor in determining the impact of bankruptcy.It will take a huge hit if you have a high credit score.If your credit is bad, you might not have to file for bankruptcy.The bigger the impact on your credit score, the more accounts you have associated with the filing.For up to 10 years, Chapter 7 or 11 will remain on your credit report.Chapter 13 can stay on your report for up to seven years.Unless the individual owner files a personal bankruptcy, a Chapter 11 will stay on the business's credit report.
Step 7: Consider hiring an attorney.
It is recommended to hire an attorney.It's very difficult to file for bankruptcy without the help of an attorney.Those who can't afford an attorney can get free legal services.The American Bar Association can help find an attorney..It's called filing pro se if you don't have an attorney.The court may allow non-attorney preparers to help you if you decide to file pro se.They can only help you with the paperwork.They can't give legal advice or answer legal questions.They can't receive payment for court fees or sign anything on your behalf.There are 90 bankruptcy districts in the United States.Every state has at least one district.
Step 8: You can find out if you are eligible.
To file for Chapter 7 you have to have a certain level of income.You must file for Chapter 13 if you don't have enough money left over after paying your bills.If you take the means test, you can find out if you qualify for Chapter 7.To take the means test, you have to complete a series of forms.You might not have to fill out all of the forms.Whether or not you have to fill out the others depends on your answers on the first form.You can get form 22A-1 from the U.S. Court.The form shows you how to calculate your income and compare it to the median income in your state for the same household size.You can qualify for Chapter 7 if your income is below the state median.You should form 22A-2 if not.You can get form 22A-2 from the U.S. Court.The form is used to determine if you qualify for Chapter 7.To find out if you are exempt from the means test, fill out the form 22A-1Supp.
Step 9: You should fill out the forms.
Your property, debt, income and expenses are listed on the bankruptcy forms.You have to complete a packet of forms.The forms include a series of schedules and various other forms.The forms can be downloaded from the U.S Court website.Failure to list a debt may mean that it continues after the bankruptcy.
Step 10: The forms need to be filed.
Your case begins when you file the forms.They will file the forms for you if you are using an attorney.If you are representing yourself, you can take them to the court.
Step 11: Receive a lawyer.
When you file the forms, the court will assign you a Trustee.The Trustee works on your behalf.The person is responsible for checking the information in your documents.The Trustee looks at the property you own and decides how much you can keep.Each state has its own rules about what property is exempt in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.For your case, the Trustee liquidates any non-exempt property.The judge presides over the court.The judge rules on eligibility and discharges.A debtor doesn't have to appear in court.The process is carried out by the Trustee away from the courthouse.
Step 12: Credit counseling is a good way to get credit.
Credit counseling and debtor education are required for any individual who files for bankruptcy.Before filing for bankruptcy, credit counseling is done.After bankruptcy, debtor education occurs.Debts can be discharged if certificates of completion are presented to the court.These services must be approved by the U.S.The program is for trustees.The Department of Justice has approved credit counseling agencies and debtor education courses.
Step 13: The meeting is called the 341 Meeting.
You will have to go to the offices of your Trustee to attend the formal meeting.The meeting is referred to as the 341 meeting and is in reference to section 343 of the Bankruptcy code.In order to answer questions about their debts and property, the debtor has to face their creditor.The meeting will be one month after you file.The Trustee asks you questions about your debt during the meeting.You can sell your non-exempt property.Property is pledged as a security in secured loans.
Step 14: If you are eligible for Chapter 13 you should check it out.
Businesses can't file for Chapter 13 if they are sole proprietors.You have to have disposable income.It is not possible for your debts to be too high.If your debts are over a certain amount, you won't be eligible for Chapter 13 bankruptcy.You have to be current on your taxes.You have to show that you filed your federal and state income taxes over the past four years.
Step 15: You need to fill out the forms.
List your financial data.Tell us your income.You should value your property.You can enter your repayment plan.The forms for Chapter 13 are the same as the forms from Chapter 7.The forms can be downloaded from the U.S Court website.
Step 16: You should file your forms with the court.
The court will appoint a Trustee to your case.The Trustee does not represent you.The person is supposed to verify your information, look for fraud and administer the bankruptcy procedures.You should hire an attorney if you feel you need representation.You don't have to have one.
Step 17: You can attend two hearings.
Within a month after you file for bankruptcy, you will have a meeting with your debts.The meeting will be arranged by the Trustee.You can ask questions about your debt and negotiate the terms of your repayment plan here.You will attend a confirmation hearing with a judge who will confirm your repayment plan.
Step 18: Understand what a discharge means.
If you are granted a discharge, you don't have to repay some debts.This is not a temporary order.No action can be taken against you to collect the debt.They can't talk to you about the debt.No legal action can be taken against you.Unless there are any objections to the discharge, it is usually granted.Copies of the order of discharge are given to everyone.
Step 19: Know when the discharge will happen.
Depending on the type of bankruptcy you file, the amount of time it takes to get a discharge varies.The court can deny a discharge if the petitioner does not complete required credit counseling and debt education courses.If the debtor is disabled or on active military duty, exemptions can be granted.Within 60 days of the first 341 meeting, the discharge can happen in a Chapter 7 case.If a creditor files a complaint objecting to the discharge, it may take longer.After the debtor completes all agreed-upon payments, the court grants a discharge.It may take several years for the discharge to be granted since these payment plans last three to five years.
Step 20: Prepare for debts that won't be paid.
There are different kinds of debts that can be discharged.The kinds of debts that can't be discharged are determined by Congress.Public policy is used to make these decisions.The debts that cannot be discharged must be repaid by the debtor.Some taxes, child support, personal injury, student loans, and debts for driving under the influence are some of the categories of debt that cannot be discharged.Some debts can be discharged under Chapter 13 if they are not dischargeable under other chapters.Some taxes, personal injury debts, and debts from property settlements during a divorce are included.If they are unable to complete planned payments due to circumstances beyond their control, they can file a hardship discharge.
Step 21: It's not certain that a discharge is guaranteed.
If you file a complaint in the bankruptcy court, you can object to a discharge.This is an adversary proceeding.If you delay the proceedings, the court can deny you a discharge.If you fail to complete the required educational courses, conceal or destroy records, or perjure yourself, you won't receive a discharge.If it is determined that the discharge was obtained dishonestly, it can be revoked.This happens within a year of the discharge.
Step 22: Repayment of discharged debts is something to consider.
Some debts have been discharged and you can repay them.Discharged debts can be repaid voluntarily.If you owe money to a family member, you can choose to repay it.You may want to repay a debt to someone who is important to you.There are debts for medical treatment from a family doctor.
Step 23: You should keep copies of the discharge court papers.
You should keep discharge court papers for your records.You can use these to prove the debts have been discharged.After the fact that debts were discharged dishonestly, having the papers to prove the court's decision can be useful.
Step 24: Put together a budget.
A realistic spending plan is needed.Pay your bills on time.At all costs, stick to your budget.Don't accumulate any more debt.You can set up an emergency fund to deal with unforeseen expenses.Automatic payments will help you pay your bills on time.
Step 25: There is a simpler life style.
If possible, reduce your living expenses.Pay less for groceries.Only cash can be used to purchase items.If you filed for Chapter 13, you will be living within a court-appointed budget while you work to repay your debts.Without the court's permission, you won't be able to get a credit card or an auto loan.
Step 26: Obtain a secured credit card.
A secured credit card can be set up by depositing money into a bank account.Your spending limit is set by this.You can charge small amounts to this account.Pay the bill on time.Credit cards that are secured help rebuild credit.The spending limit may be increased without a deposit on some cards.
Step 27: Understand how bankruptcy can affect your credit.
You can bounce back from bankruptcy more quickly than you think.You can still get an FHA home loan.You will still get credit card offers.You can still get other loans at a reasonable rate.You can keep your credit report clean for up to 10 years.If you make your payments on time, your credit score can recover quickly.
Step 28: Your credit report should be reviewed.
Each year you can get a free credit report.Check your credit report for errors.Make sure debts you no longer owe aren't listed.There are incorrect balances to look for.You should check for debts that aren't yours.You can file a claim with the credit reporting agency if you find an error.