Google

Is Filing for Bankruptcy an Option for You?


Bankruptcy laws give debtors a way to resolve debt by dividing their assets among their various creditors and in some cases will allow debtors to be freed of outstanding debts that cannot be paid, even after the division of assets. For individuals who find themselves unable to pay their debts, bankruptcy can be a viable option. As a debtor, you are entitled to file for bankruptcy. There have been recent changes to bankruptcy laws that may affect your ability to discharge your debts without credit counseling, but individuals who have found themselves unable to pay their debts can still file bankruptcy and be freed of outstanding debts.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is normally used by individuals wanting to rid themselves of all accumulated debt, and is the most frequently used method of filing bankruptcy. Businesses who wish to completely liquidate assets and close permanently can also file Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Under Chapter 7, individuals are allowed to keep certain property such as their home and perhaps their vehicle, but may still lose some property in the proceedings. During the course of the bankruptcy proceedings, the debtor's assets are controlled by a trustee and will be divided among the various creditors as the trustee sees fit. After the bankruptcy has been discharged, control of any remaining property is placed back in the hands of the debtor and all outstanding debts will have been removed.

Chapter 13 bankruptcies are for individuals who wish to pay their debts but are unable to do so. Chapter 13 allows individuals to reorganize their debts and restructure payment arrangements so that debts may be repaid over time. Chapter 11 bankruptcies are used predominantly by businesses that wish to reorganize the repayment of outstanding debts and continue operating in a regular manner.

Filing bankruptcy can be a way out of debt for many people and businesses. You should consult with a debt relief organization and/or an attorney to find out if bankruptcy is an option in your particular situation.

Ken Austin is the webmaster at http://www.hazeydee.com and http://creditrelief.kraustin.com

MORE RESOURCES:

RELATED ARTICLES

Take Careful Consideration Before Filing Bankruptcy
Filing bankruptcy is not fun! It is a last resort if you are interested in keeping an active and acceptable credit report. Bankruptcy is the condition of bringing all your assets and deficiencies into an insolvent state.
Utah, the Nation's Bankruptcy Capital
Congress recently passed the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act, designed to minimize frivolous bankruptcy filings and to require debtors to repay some of their debt. Once it takes effect in October, 2005, the law will make it harder for those with problem debt to have their debt wiped away by the courts.
Bankruptcy: What the New Law Means to You
On April 20 of this year, President Bush signed a bankruptcy reform law. When this law goes into effect in October of this year, it will be much more difficult for Americans to use Chapter 7 bankruptcy to get a fresh start on their financial lives.
Turning Bad Debts into Good Debts through Investing Fundamentals
If you've ever earned enough money to put some aside, like most people you've probably invested it with an eye toward security - since, perhaps, you can't imagine yourself ever getting rich."Most people dream of becoming rich, but it isn't their first choice," Rich Dad said.
What Does A Bankruptcy Trustee Do?
Once you file bankruptcy a court appointed bankruptcy trustee will oversee your case. The new law also requires that the bankruptcy petitioner to take a debtor education course and receive credit counseling from a U.
Debt Management Systems
What is a debt management system, and when do you need it? Like any kind of management system, debt help systems can be good or bad. We will take a look at what you can do to manage your debt better.
Free Quick and Easy Money Saving Tips - Part 1
With the high cost of gasoline and the amount of money needed to lead a comfortable life slowly increasing many consumers may be worried about how to make ends meet. Fortunately there are lots of ways to save money in a variety of areas.
Slowing Spending - The Key To Your Debt Plans Success
Anyone who embarks on a debt reduction program should know the rules for success. There are two.
Bankruptcy - Bankruptcy Myths
Bankruptcy has long been a big question mark in the eyes of the consumer. After all they don't teach us about bankruptcy in school.
Bank Like a Banker
The business of banking has changed dramatically over the last decade. Because the cost of doing business the old-fashioned way is no longer effective, banks are interested in changing their customers' behavior by encouraging electronic banking alternatives whenever possible.
How To Pay Credit Card Debt Off
If you are determined to pay credit card debt off you are making the best financial decision of your life. The reason credit card debt is so bad is because it carries such a high interest rate.
Christian Debt Consolidation - Feel Comfortable About Managing Your Debt
Many Christians feel uncomfortable with the notion of being in debt, and even more so when the debt has gotten out of control. Some say that it is not acceptable for Christians to owe any money, even for such necessities as a home.
Bad Credit Home Loan To Get You Out Of Debt
A "bad credit home loan" can help you climb your way out of debt and get you started back on the road to upstanding, good credit. There are many lenders who are willing to make bad credit home loans to you - a loan based on your equity in your home even if your credit has slipped or isn't as perfect as it could be.
Credit Counseling - Signs That You May Need Help
Credit counseling is a viable option for those who are feeling the stress of being overwhelmed by debt. Credit counseling primarily offers assistance with working out a credit and debt repayment plan for an individual to gain control of their finances by creating a structured budget for an individual to follow.
Establish Money Saving Goals For Added Success
Having something tangible to strive towards can work wonders for your money-saving efforts. To those of you that have already been actively implementing money-saving tips in order to lower your monthly bills, for added inspiration, establish a meaningful goal along with a specific dollar amount.
Personal Debt Reduction Practices
Personal debt reduction practices, the steps people take to relieve the debt in their lives and to become more financially free, are a hot topic among financial circles. American spending habits are producing more people who are deeper in debt rather than people trying to achieve financial freedom.
Getting Past The Idea Of Budgeting & Saving Money
I'm sure you'll agree that budgeting, saving money, and eliminating debt are very appealing ideas. If effectively tackled, these goals can secure your financial status for the future, and allow you to live a comfortable, debt-free life.
Personal Bankruptcy - If Its Unavoidable, File Now
The Bankruptcy Abuse and Consumer Protection Act, signed into law by President Bush last April, promises changes to Federal bankruptcy law that have been long sought by the lending industry. The bill promises sweeping changes to Federal law, and will make it much harder for the average consumer in financial trouble to have their debts wiped out by filing for bankruptcy.
Reduce Your Debt With These 5 Tips
It's never pleasant to realize that you're in financial hot water, but pretending the situation doesn't exist is NEVER the way to deal with the problem. If you're having trouble meeting monthly payments, find yourself borrowing or using credit cards to meet daily expenses, or have one or more of your credit accounts turned over to a collection agency, it's time for you to get proactive and bring your debts back under control.
What is Bankruptcy?
Here is a useful guide to bankruptcy. It should be noted that bankruptcy is not to be entered into without first having sought professional advice.