Bankruptcy: The Implications
The majority today is heavily in debt and bankruptcy is nothing new anymore. But, even when the situation is dire, many people are afraid of filing for bankruptcy. This is mostly because of the plethora of misinformation out there. Understanding the laws, the possibilities and the implications of bankruptcy are very important. Knowing what life has in store after declaring bankruptcy is crucial before you even consider filing for it.
The first fear people have is the question of credit. Can you get credit after you file for bankruptcy? The answer is yes, as long as you are willing to make some compromises. The credit limit might not be what you are used to, but you will still get credit. The main problem you will have to face here is that you will have to pay more interest than usual. However, the fact remains that there will be lenders who will offer you credit.
Another fear people have is mortgage and home ownership. You might wonder if you can find a lender to give you a loan or approve your mortgage if you file bankruptcy. The answer, again, is yes, you can, but you might need to show a good track record of eighteen months to two years to get this. Contrary to popular belief, lenders do not steer completely clear of people who have ever filed for bankruptcy.
Finally, what about your pension savings? How will they be affected by your bankruptcy? Hopefully, not at all. Most pensions and savings plans are exempt from your estate upon bankruptcy, so they can’t be liquidated to repay your debts. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Outstanding tax liens are not generally forgiven after bankruptcy, so any taxes owed may be attached to your 401K, IRA, or other savings plan. You should bear this in mind before considering bankruptcy.
Before you file for bankruptcy, it is always a good idea to spend some time with a good financial advisor who can let you know all the facts and how they will affect you. Once you get all the facts, you can make your decision.
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