Like many people, you may be reluctant to file for bankruptcy even though a Washington bankruptcy lawyer has advised you that bankruptcy is the best ? maybe the only -- solution to your financial problems. Your resistance is understandable.
You may feel embarrassed ? you should be in control of your finances, but you're not. And there's a certain stigma attached to bankruptcy, whether you go through the process yourself or are represented by a Washington bankruptcy lawyer. The filing is a public admission that you are unable to pay your debts. Bankruptcy also carries with it several unpleasant consequences, including the following:
?For 10 years, the bankruptcy will be reflected on your credit report (and there's nothing a can do to change that).
?You can obtain credit after bankruptcy, but it will cost you more.
?Though it's highly unlikely you'll be fired from a job because you declare bankruptcy, there are some jobs and licenses you can't obtain because of bankruptcy. For example, some professions ? stock broker is one -- don't allow a bankrupt to be employed in certain positions. These positions usually involve trust and money. (If you're considering bankruptcy, a can advise you about bankruptcy's impact on your employment.)
?There are restrictions on how soon you can re-file for bankruptcy. For example, if you file under Chapter 7, you can't file again under that chapter for eight years. (A Washington bankruptcy lawyer can explain these timelines to you.).
?Bankruptcy is listed in the top five life-altering negative events, along with divorce, severe illness, disability and loss of a loved one.
While these consequences are unpleasant, there's another side to bankruptcy, as a can explain to you. The right to file for bankruptcy is in the U.S. Constitution. Underlying this right is the idea that those in financial trouble deserve the chance for a fresh start. As every Washington bankruptcy lawyer is aware, some people abuse the bankruptcy system. However, the vast majority of people, whether they represent themselves or hire a Washington bankruptcy lawyer, have a legitimate reason for choosing bankruptcy. And often, as every Washington bankruptcy lawyer knows, those reasons are divorce and medical expenses.
It often helps to discuss feelings about bankruptcy with a . The bottom line is that you shouldn't feel bad about filing for bankruptcy. It's your right. Filing lets you take control of your financial life. Filing makes you feel better about your situation. Filing amounts to a commitment to fix the problem and start fresh. At Resolve Legal, we can help you assess whether bankruptcy is right for you. Find out how, and get started on the road to financial recovery.
To File For Bankruptcy
If you are a co-signer with your ex-spouse on a debt for example, a loan, or overdraft your lenders can ask the entire payment of the debt from you. Even if you divorce decree assigns that debt to your ex spouse. Because even if they are given that specific debt, if they default on the debt in anyway the debt creditors will come after you as well.
When you become divorced and your ex spouse owes money you should do a few things. First you should try to make all attempts to have the larger part of funds classified as alimony or support. These debts will not be discharged in a bankruptcy. For instance the more stuff, like your car, houses, etc. that have debt that you personally include in your property statement agreement the more the risk that you ex spouse may be able to convince the bankruptcy court that your debts should be included in the bankruptcy.
Although items in a court approved property settlement are understood to be non-dischargeable, but the reality is there is no rule or law about the items that are related to your debt that may or may not be declared in a bankruptcy. The only way to have your debts not charged to you is to show that you have not ability to pay the debt and also to be able to take care of yourself or your children. Another good way is to show that taking care of yourself and your children is more important then anything that might happen to your ex spouse.
A few ways to find out if you are responsible for debt is if you were co-habituating with a person and you put your name on the debts. They will hold you responsible.
Lots of people while they are married combine their debts, so each one of them could pay the debt. Now of course if they are not able to pay the creditors the creditor will chase both of them. To protect yourself once your divorce filing is final is to get rid of all credit cards and joint accounts and get your name off bank accounts that you had with your ex spouse this will make sure that you are not be responsible for any more debt after your divorce is final.
In many cases one of the best ways to handle debt in a divorce is before any money is given to the individuals, all combined debt should be paid off. For example if neither one of the partners is going to be getting in the home where they lived prior to the divorce they could sell that home, pay off credit cards loans or other debts that they have combined. Their closing attorney can send checks to their lenders once the home is sold.
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