Bankruptcy - When is Filing For Bankruptcy a Good Choice?

Financial stresses and strains can be hard on a person or a family. When bills get tight, the stress levels in a home reach epic proportions. It is during these times when a person or family begins to think about filing for bankruptcy. But, deciding to file for bankruptcy comes with a lot of additional financial strain that can last up to 10 years. Before filing for bankruptcy a person must take many factors into consideration.

• Can you get out of debt on your own? This is the first question that needs to be asked. If the debt is so overwhelming that the person will be unable to pay their way out of the creditor obligations they have created, bankruptcy may be a choice. Before filing, a careful look should be taken at the total financial picture. Are there cars that can be traded in for a lower payment? Can the home be refinanced for a lower mortgage? Are there higher paying jobs that will add to the financial income of the household?

• Do you have the means to work out the debt yourself? Many debt consolidation firms will simply call the creditors and work out a lower payment plan to lower payments to a manageable size. This is not something only the debt consolidation firm can accomplish. Many credit agencies will work with the debtors in order to keep the person out of bankruptcy. Bankruptcy means they will receive zero money for the debt owed. They want to claim that money and will often lower interest rates and payments in order to secure some form of payment for the debt.

• Are you willing to give up 10 years of buying power? A bankruptcy will be reported on the credit report of all involved for 10 years maximum. This means for 10 years past the date of discharge, the bankruptcy will be the deciding factor in many lenders choices to extend credit or not to extend credit. If there is a way to work out the debt without filing bankruptcy the effect on the credit report will be much less severe.

• Are you overestimating your debt? Some persons and families think they have more debt than they really do. Cutting back on household expenses and trading in high priced vacations for a lower priced alternative can often help to ease the debt burden of the household. Try cutting back on extra conveniences like cable, cell phone and those trips out to dinner before signing up for a bankruptcy filing.

Filing for bankruptcy means all debts owed to credits will be discharged if the filing is turned in the favor of the persons involved. The best choice before filing for bankruptcy is to take a careful look at what the alternative options are and trying to work out the debt owed with the creditors. If filing for bankruptcy is the best choice for you and / or your family, finding a great bankruptcy lawyer can make the process a bit easier to handle and stress free.

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