Highlights of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
By the time you finish reading this, you will know the important point of Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If you are thinking that everyone can file for this type of bankruptcy, you are wrong. Only certain people can file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Well, if you are wondering who, you should read on.
Who Can File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
No everyone can file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. It is only available to individuals and also businesses. If you want to file for Chapter 7, assets should be limited to those that can be claimed as exempt.
Even though sometimes the court may rule that a person is not able to file a Chapter 7, at times, it may be one of the best moves you can make.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Process
The process of filing for a Chapter 7 may be long as you are required to collect all the information about your debts and your financial situation. Other than that, you’re also required to meet with a counselor and attend counseling.
After going thought this first phase, you will then be able to start filing out the proper forms and filing them with the court. After this, you are required to attend court to plead your case. This will be done over the next few months.
The whole process can last quite some time, but during the process you are protected from debt collection by creditors.
Risks of a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
If you think bankruptcy is an easy way to clear your debts, think again. Recent changes in the bankruptcy laws has made filing bankruptcy more difficult and in some cases impossible.
If you file for Chapter 7, you will be at risk of losing your assets. Well the bad news doesn’t stop there. You are also going to end up with a damaged credit record. This is one of the worst things that can happen to you as it may not be easy for you to get loans and other forms of credit in the future.
However, according to new laws, you may be able to file for Chapter 13 instead of Chapter 7. This can be done if your income is deemed to be more than the set amount. The court will then decide how you can pay back the amount you owe.
Bankruptcy should not be looked at as a way to get out of your financial obligations because you will end up paying in the end in some way. Additionally, not every debt can be cleared through bankruptcy. If you take the process seriously then you should end up with the result you desire.
Filed under: Business