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Are some of my debts not dischargeable?
Some kinds of debts are not dischargeable, which means that you will remain obligated to repay them even after you complete your personal bankruptcy. Examples of nondischargeable debts are certain state and federal taxes, student loans unless at least 7 years old and debts that were induced or extended by fraud.
What is a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?
Under a chapter 13 bankruptcy, a debtor proposes a 3-5 year repayment plan to the creditors offering to pay off all or part of the debts from the debtors' future income.
The amount to be repaid is determined by several factors including the debtors' disposable income. To file under this chapter you must have a "regular source of income" and have some disposable income. Like in a Chapter 7, corporations and partnerships may not file under this chapter.
When is a Chapter 13 a better alternative than a Chapter 7?
There are several situations where a chapter 13 is preferable to a chapter 7. A chapter 13 bankruptcy is normally for people who have too much income to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy or have the kind of debt that is non- dischargeable in a Chapter 7 (e.g. certain taxes). Also, people file Chapter 13 because they are behind on their mortgage or business payments and are trying to avoid foreclosure. A chapter 13 bankruptcy allows them to make up their overdue payments over time and to reinstate the original agreement. Also, where a debtor has valuable nonexempt property and wants to keep it, a chapter 13 may be a better option.
However, for the vast majority of individuals who simply want to eliminate their heavy debt burden without paying any of it back, Chapter 7 provides the most attractive choice.
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Will Filing Bankruptcy Stop My Bill Collectors from Taking Action?
Yes, When you file bankruptcy, federal law imposes an "automatic stay" which precludes your creditors from taking any action to collect debts against you including court judgements and tax debts during the pendency of the bankruptcy. For instance, if you have been served by one of your creditors to appear in court over a debt, the bankruptcy filing will stop this lawsuit.
Any wage garnishments or repossession efforts are also halted. However, once the bankruptcy is over, a creditor holding a claim that was not discharged may proceed to collect on the debt. Also, under some circumstances a secured creditor may proceed to collect on the lien he has on the filer's asset during the bankruptcy proceeding, but may only do so by filing a court motion and by getting the approval of the bankruptcy court first.
How quickly will my creditors get notice of my bankruptcy?
Within a couple of weeks of the filing of your petition, the bankruptcy court clerk mails your creditors notice of the filing and the imposition of the automatic stay. Until the creditors get notice, it may be necessary for you supply the creditor with the docket number and date of your bankruptcy. Once they have been given notice, they must stop collection efforts against you or may be liable for court sanctions. Thankfully, for the vast majority of people, once their bankruptcy petition is filed that is the last they hear from their unsecured creditors.
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