Many people share intimate details of their lives on social media — vacations they take, places they shop, purchases they make, and even what they wear. Unfortunately, this form of sharing can sometimes have legal repercussions. For example, angry posts about your soon-to-be ex-spouse can find their way into your divorce case. Similarly, social media posts that depict a financial situation that is different from what you have claimed in bankruptcy filings could also cause serious problems. In fact, a high-profile example from a few years ago shows just how difficult things can be when you are not careful on social media.

Bankruptcy Filing and a Social Media Blunder

In 2015, the rapper 50 Cent filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Right in the middle of it all, he posted several Instagram photos with loads of cash — one of a stack of money in his freezer, one in which bills were arranged to spell the word “Broke,” and one of him surrounded by stacks of cash on a bed. The rapper claimed the bills were props, such as those used in music videos, but his creditors and the judge were far from amused.

According to the New York Times, 50 Cent stated that the postings were essential to maintaining his appearance and securing his future. When his history of merchandising deals and “living large” were mixed with a number of failed business ventures and several lawsuits, it was understandably difficult to determine whether he was hiding assets or telling the truth. Because of this, his creditors asked for a reevaluation of his assets, and a judge pulled him back into court to speak about the matter.

The decision to file for personal bankruptcy is not one that is easily made. Moreover, the days, weeks, and months following the decision can also be difficult, as there may be feelings of fear or concern. Then there is still the stress of preparing for the bankruptcy process. The following may be able to help alleviate some of that stress and provide guidance on how to find the assistance you need.

Start by Contacting an Attorney

While there are many steps to take during the bankruptcy process, your first should be to contact an experienced bankruptcy lawyer. Not only does this help you prevent missteps during the bankruptcy process, but it can also expedite the next steps. By contacting a lawyer, you can get you on your way to less stress from the creditor calls and collection letters.

Cancel Your Automatic Payments

If you are like most consumers, you have automatic payments that are drafted from your account. Some might be for subscriptions while others might be with creditors, all should be eliminated. This can help you start to step forward and manage your debt more responsibly. It also gives you more control over what you are paying in the weeks leading up to the bankruptcy filing.

The United States is a notoriously consumeristic society. Having good credit is a necessity to buy a home and a reliable vehicle. Credit must be built, often through the usage of credit cards and the ability to repay the credit card debt. Sometimes, however, we accumulate debt and get in too far over our heads. Other times, a major unforeseen life event occurs—one which we are unprepared to handle financially. When this happens, filing for bankruptcy may help struggling individuals and families. When considering bankruptcy, the first question on many minds is, “Will it get rid of all of my personal debts”?

Understanding Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is a federally approved process through which an individual or a company can reduce their debt. Those who are authorized for the process may have debts written off or repaid under a new agreement. The method used depends directly on the type of bankruptcy approved. The most typical forms of the process are Chapter 11 for businesses or Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 for private consumers, although others are available under appropriate circumstances. These chapters refer to the specific section of the United States Bankruptcy Code that will apply in a given case. Meanwhile, while the process is underway, all collection activities related to your debts—including lawsuits and foreclosure proceedings must stop.

Will All Debts Be Cleared?

If you are wondering whether bankruptcy resets your credit, enabling you to begin as though the debt never occurred, the answer is “no.” Filing for bankruptcy allows those who meet eligibility requirements to rid themselves of some but not all debt. Financial obligations that do not typically qualify to be wiped clean are child support, alimony, taxes, student loans, and secured debt. Although they may not be totally discharged, some may be eligible for a restructured payment plan. Some of the most common discharged liabilities include:

There are many negative perceptions about bankruptcy. On one hand, some of these perceptions are well-deserved. After all, there are some potential drawbacks to filing. Yet there are also some major misconceptions about bankruptcy—some of which could keep someone from filing when they really should. The following information is designed to debunk these bankruptcy myths. It may even help you decide what your next step should be, and if bankruptcy might be the right solution for you.

Myth 1: Bankruptcy Ruins Your Credit Forever

True, your credit can take a hit after filing for bankruptcy, and it may be difficult to obtain new lines of credit once the process starts, but bankruptcy does not completely ruin your credit. If anything, it gives you a clean slate to start over. It is also usually less damaging than continuing to make late payments on your debts. If you are still a little apprehensive about filing, talk to a qualified bankruptcy attorney for a comprehensive analysis of your financial situation.

Myth 2: You Lose All Your Personal Property

Many people think you have to give up everything in bankruptcy, but this is not always the case. In fact, bankruptcy is designed to help protect some of your possessions from creditors. Furthermore, you may be able to keep some of your unprotected items by agreeing to continue paying on them. Do not expect to keep it all, just do not expect to lose it all either.

Life can be unpredictable. Life can be messy and complicated. And, sometimes, the worst things that can happen to us are completely out of our control. But what do you do when the messy, unpredictable, and complicated lead to financial problems? How do you turn things around and regain control of your financial future? The answer really depends on where you are in the debt collection process. While some may be able to find a viable bankruptcy alternative, others may need more aggressive action. The following information may be able to help you in determining your best course of action for settling debt with creditors.

Creditor Harassment with No Negative Actions

If you have only just started being hounded by your creditors and have not yet received any notice of wage garnishment, tax or property liens, bank seizures, home foreclosure, or any other negative actions against you, you may be able to negotiate a repayment plan with your creditors. But, because not all creditors are willing to work with consumers, and because they have no incentive to actually help you, it may take the assistance of a skilled attorney to resolve the matter before things escalate.

Liens, Levies, Wage Garnishment, Foreclosure, and Other Negative Actions

If matters have already started to spiral out of control and you are facing negative actions, such as a tax lien or levy, wage garnishment, home foreclosure, vehicle repossession, or bank account seizure, resolving the issue can be a little more complicated. In some situations, a lawyer may be able to assist you with a negotiation that can keep you from further actions. If, however, the process has already begun, your only option may be to file bankruptcy.