Filing for bankruptcy can be a hard decision to make. It means looking at the reality of your financial situation and realizing that you are no longer in control. For many this decision is reached after failed attempts to turn their debt situation around in other ways and after being in denial about the true financial picture. If you are considering bankruptcy, consider working with Everett Bankruptcy Assistance for more information.
Top Reasons Why People File Bankruptcy
It is never an easy process to admit you are in financial disarray. However, it helps to know there are options. Meeting with a debt settlement lawyer in Seattle will help you understand what those options are. Here are some of the top ten reasons why people file bankruptcy:
- To Stop Court Proceedings. When you file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the court will places an automatic stay on all proceedings. This can give you time to reinstate a drivers license if one is about to be revoked.
- To Salvage Home Utilities. If you have past due utility bills, a bankruptcy filing can freeze utility companies from disconnecting services.
- To Stop Bank or Wage Garnishment. Most debtors are in over their heads in debt. When you have more debt than income, you can end up with creditors trying to garnish your wages.
- High Debt Burden. Having a high debt burden can cause you to struggle. Negative income versus debt can qualify you for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
- Low Income. Job loss, divorce, medical expenses and other things can cause you to have low income. If you have a low income, you may qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If the income is over a certain amount, you may qualify for Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
- Job Loss. Losing a job causes many people to struggle financially. Without money to pay your bills, it is hard for you to do much. Chapter 7 bankruptcy can help you if you are overwhelmed from a job loss.
- Stop Creditor Harassment. Creditors want their money and they are relentless. Filing bankruptcy will stop those phone calls and letters.
- Vehicle Redemption. Chapter 7 bankruptcy will allow you to buy a car for its value and not a loan owed amount. Your bankruptcy lawyer in Seattle will be able to work with you to get the right price on the car.
- Medical Bills. Dealing with major medical bills forces many people to end up with debt. You can use Chapter 7 bankruptcy to reduce the burden of medical debt.
- Credit Repair. If you have a lot of unsecured debt, bankruptcy can help you discharge this debt and start fresh.
When you realize that bankruptcy is the solution you’ve been looking for here are the important things you should know when filing:
- Look for experienced bankruptcy lawyers in North Seattle. With so many different laws and requirements to understand when it comes to filing bankruptcy, getting the advice of an attorney who is experienced in the process will not only make filing much easier it will make you feel more confident in the process as well as the outcome. When choosing a bankruptcy lawyer you should look for one that specializes in bankruptcy filings. You can learn a lot about individual bankruptcy attorneys by checking out online ratings and reviews as well as talking to previous clients or by asking for references and referrals. Taking the time to speak to someone who has worked with the attorney can not only give you quality feedback, they can help you to understand the process you are facing and what to expect.
- Understand that bankruptcy can be a lengthy process. Though you have been struggling with making the decision whether or not to file for some time, making the decision doesn’t guarantee a quick turnaround time. Filing the petition for bankruptcy is only the beginning of the bankruptcy process. Once your lawyer files the petition you will begin to gather the appropriate paperwork to complete the bankruptcy process. While filing for bankruptcy does put in place a stay against creditors, it is not until the meeting of the creditors and the discharge of bankruptcy before you are cleared of the debt. During the process of completing the bankruptcy filing you will need to gather statements for every creditor, determine which debts are able to be discharged, and make decisions about other debts that you may or may not want to reaffirm.
- Understand that when filing bankruptcy, not all debt is discharged. When you file bankruptcy your goals is to wipe out all of your debt so that you can start again with a clean financial slate. However, it is important to understand those debts that cannot be discharged even through bankruptcy. These debts include student loans, taxes, alimony or child support, some court fees and attorney’s fees, and any debts that are not listed in the bankruptcy paperwork. Work closely with your bankruptcy lawyer to understand the specifics of your individual case.
When filing for bankruptcy learning about the process will help you have a better understanding of what to expect along the way. With the assistance of a bankruptcy attorney you will be able to learn how bankruptcy will affect your situation, what paperwork you need to file, and well as what to expect after discharge and how to go about rebuilding your financial future. The more you know and the closer you work with your lawyer the more secure you will feel in the outcome after filing bankruptcy. Contact Start Fresh Northwest (Everett Debt Assistance) to learn more about what bankruptcy options are available for your situation.
