Call Today for a FREE Consultation
210-342-3400
Recent Blog Posts
How Soon Can I File for Bankruptcy After a Debt Discharge?
Americans who have debts that they are unable to repay or that put them in difficult financial positions have multiple options for debt relief, including filing for bankruptcy. By filing a petition for bankruptcy, a person can put a stop to creditor harassment, and they can determine the best way to eliminate their debts and begin rebuilding their credit. However, there are some situations where a person who has completed the bankruptcy process may encounter additional financial difficulties, and they may need to seek debt relief for a second time. In these cases, it will be important to understand how long a person will need to wait between different types of bankruptcy filings.
Time Limits for Filing a Second or Subsequent Bankruptcy
In our modern economy, there are a variety of circumstances that may require a person to file for bankruptcy more than once. Multiple types of debts can affect a person or family, and bankruptcy may be necessary to allow them to return to a position of financial stability. However, even after discharging debts, a person may accrue new debts through no fault of their own, such as when a serious illness results in large medical bills. For those who have previously used bankruptcy to address their debts, different waiting periods will apply depending on the type of bankruptcy they had previously filed and the type of bankruptcy they plan to pursue in their next filing.
How to Decide Between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
It is all too easy for debts to become unmanageable. While large debts are often seen as a failure or a sign of irresponsibility, the truth is that this issue most commonly affects people due to no fault of their own. An unexpected illness or a serious injury can result in massive medical expenses, and it can also affect a person's ability to work, leading to increasing bills and difficulty covering basic living expenses. Issues such as the loss of a job or a divorce can also lead to unexpected expenses and problems covering the costs of living.
In these situations, bankruptcy may be the best option for getting rid of debts and returning to a position of financial stability. However, many people who are considering bankruptcy are unsure about whether they should file under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. By answering the following questions, you can determine which option would be best for you.
Is a Short Sale a Good Idea During or After Bankruptcy?
A homeowner who has encountered financial difficulties may have a number of options that will allow them to avoid losing their home. While different forms of bankruptcy may be an option that will allow a person to prevent foreclosure, there are some situations where maintaining ownership of a home will not be possible. In some cases, a person may consider a short sale of their home, which will allow them to sell the property for less than the amount owed on the mortgage without the requirement to pay a deficiency to their lender. However, a homeowner will need to understand whether it is a good idea to do so while also pursuing debt relief through bankruptcy.
Short Sales and Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 bankruptcy will allow a person to discharge most of their debts, providing them with financial relief and ensuring that they can avoid difficulties in the future. In most cases, it will not be a good idea to pursue a short sale before, during, or after filing for Chapter 7. One of the primary benefits of a short sale is to avoid a deficiency judgment that may be owed to a mortgage lender if a home is sold for less than the amount owed on the loan. However, Chapter 7 will discharge the debts a person owes, including deficiency judgments, so pursuing a short sale will not provide a homeowner with any advantages.
Can Filing for Bankruptcy Stop an Eviction?
People who are considering bankruptcy are often in dire financial straits. The accumulation of multiple forms of debt may have caused a person to get behind on some or all of their payments, especially if they have also experienced a loss of income. As creditors and collection agencies begin calling and seeking repayment, a person may be worried about how to address these issues, but in many cases, they may be focused on more immediate concerns, including the possibility of eviction from their apartment or house due to the nonpayment of rent. In these situations, a person will want to understand how bankruptcy may help them avoid being put on the street.
Preventing an Eviction by Filing for Bankruptcy
Filing for bankruptcy is one of the most effective ways to deal with outstanding debts and actions taken by creditors or landlords. As soon as a bankruptcy petition is filed, a form of protection known as the automatic stay will take effect. This will prevent creditors from doing anything to collect what is owed, including contacting the person to ask for payment. The automatic stay will generally apply to evictions, so if a landlord has notified a tenant that they are pursuing an eviction, or if the landlord has begun the eviction process, they will be required to stop these actions during the bankruptcy case. However, if a landlord has already gone to eviction court and obtained a judgment of possession, the automatic stay will not stop them from carrying out this judgment. This shows that the timing of a bankruptcy filing is important, and to stop an eviction, a person will need to file their bankruptcy petition as soon as possible after learning that their landlord is planning to take legal action against them.
Can a Creditor Object to Exemptions During a Bankruptcy Case?
When a person or family is struggling with debts and related financial issues, it can sometimes seem like there is no way out of this situation. While bankruptcy may be an option, many people are hesitant to pursue this form of debt relief because they worry that they will lose some or all of the property they own. Fortunately, there are a number of exemptions that can be used to protect property and ensure that a family will not have to completely start over.
When filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, these exemptions may prevent certain assets from being seized and liquidated. In fact, many debtors will qualify for a no-asset bankruptcy in which all of their assets will be exempt. However, debtors will need to make sure they claim exemptions correctly. Claiming invalid exemptions may delay a debtor’s ability to complete their bankruptcy, or certain assets may be determined to be non-exempt, resulting in the liquidation of these items.
How Will Filing for Bankruptcy Affect My Job?
If you are considering bankruptcy, you are likely to be dealing with multiple types of difficult financial issues. During this time, the last thing you want to worry about is the possibility that you could lose your job or struggle to earn enough income. Fortunately, the bankruptcy laws provide some protection, and by understanding what employers can and cannot do in response to your bankruptcy, you can avoid uncertainty and continue working to achieve financial success in the future.
Can an Employer Fire Me for Filing for Bankruptcy?
Fortunately, Section 525 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code states that an employer cannot terminate a person’s employment because they have filed a petition for bankruptcy or sought relief from their debts. Employers are also prohibited from taking any other discriminatory actions against an employee, such as demoting them or reducing their wages.
Bankruptcy Checklist: Documents to Gather Before You File
The decision to file for bankruptcy is often not an easy one. This may be seen as a last resort for a person or family that is in dire financial straits. After making every effort to maintain financial stability, repay debts, and address other ongoing needs, a debtor may determine that bankruptcy is their best option for debt relief. Fortunately, the process of filing for bankruptcy does not have to be difficult, and by working with an experienced attorney, a debtor can provide the correct information and complete the required procedures to eliminate certain types of debts. Those who are preparing to file for bankruptcy will need to understand the different types of documents that they will need to provide, as well as any other information that will be required.
Financial Documentation and Related Bankruptcy Information
Top 3 Reasons People File for Bankruptcy
Debt is a significant issue for millions of people in the United States. In some cases, these debts may be manageable, and a person or family may be able to make affordable payments toward a home mortgage, auto loans, student loans, and/or credit cards while being able to cover their regular living expenses. Unfortunately, there are many situations where a family’s debts may become unmanageable, and they may begin considering bankruptcy. Because of the stigma surrounding bankruptcy, those who are in this position may feel that they will be looked down upon. However, understanding the reasons that people often file for bankruptcy can help a person realize that they are not alone and that they can benefit by receiving relief from their debts.
Bankruptcy Is Usually Based on Issues Other Than Financial Irresponsibility
The stereotypical bankruptcy involves a person who has engaged in reckless spending without considering the consequences of their actions. Many people believe that if a person files for bankruptcy, this is a sign that they have racked up large credit card bills, spent money on unnecessary luxuries, and generally behaved irresponsibly. However, in most bankruptcy cases, this is far from the truth. In fact, people are likely to encounter large debts because of issues such as:
3 Reasons Why You Should Not Be Afraid of Filing for Bankruptcy
Debt is a significant issue that affects many families. Struggling to pay bills and fielding calls from creditors while also working full time–or more–and managing other family responsibilities can be incredibly stressful. While bankruptcy is often the best option for dealing with these situations, many people are hesitant to pursue this type of debt relief. However, the fears that people often have about bankruptcy may be unfounded. By understanding the bankruptcy process and how it will affect your life, you can make sure you are taking the right steps to regain financial stability.
Addressing Bankruptcy Fears
While there are multiple different reasons why your family may be struggling with debts, the option to file for bankruptcy is available regardless of your financial situation. As you consider whether bankruptcy is the right choice for you, it is important to remember that:
5 Tips for Dealing With Stress Related to Debt and Bankruptcy
Issues related to money are a common source of stress for many people. Families can sometimes struggle to cover their ongoing living expenses, especially in times when prices for many products are rising and unexpected expenses can arise suddenly. These issues can be compounded by debts. If a family is struggling to pay what they owe while also meeting their ongoing needs, they may be receiving constant calls from creditors, and they may be concerned about how this will affect their overall finances and their ability to maintain ownership of their home or other property. In these situations, bankruptcy may be an option for debt relief, but filing for bankruptcy can add additional stress, especially when a family does not know what to expect during this process. If you are struggling with debts and considering bankruptcy, you can help alleviate your stress by following these tips:
-
Avoid blame - Debt is often seen as a personal failing, and those who are struggling financially may feel that they are to blame for their situation due to irresponsible behavior. However, in many cases, overwhelming debts occur because of circumstances that are out of a person’s control, such as serious health issues that lead to large medical bills while affecting their ability to work and earn an income. Regardless of the reasons for your debt, you can help avoid negative emotions by deciding to put these issues in the past and determine how to move forward and regain control of your financial situation.
Contact Our Firm
The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.
I have read and understand the Disclaimer and Privacy Policy.
Call Today for a FREE Consultation
210-342-3400
