If you’re struggling financially and dealing with debt, then filing bankruptcy might have crossed your mind. Bankruptcy filing can be a great tool for debt relief, but bankruptcy filing is not for everyone.
Before deciding whether to file for bankruptcy or not, it is best to talk to an experienced bankruptcy attorney. Here at Hammerschmidt Stickradt & Associates, our bankruptcy lawyers can help you decide in choosing the best solution to fit your needs.
A declaration of bankruptcy is a serious decision that you have to think through; a lot of things should be put into consideration before you can decide if it’s worth it. To help you with your decision, we have provided a list of the pros and cons of filing bankruptcy.
Advantages of Filing for Bankruptcy
- Creditors Will No Longer Call You
Once you declare bankruptcy, an automatic stay is issued by the court right away, which prevents any debt collection proceedings. This stops debt collectors or lenders from harassing, calling, or emailing you, and it can also stop wage garnishment, house foreclosure, and property repossession. However, it doesn’t cancel your debts; they won’t be wiped clean. It only suspends any debt collection activity until your bankruptcy filing is complete or until the automatic stay gets lifted.
An automatic stay, however, can’t stop the following:
- Tax audits from the government
- Criminal proceedings
- Child support or alimony
- Collection of debt from co-signers and co-makers.
- You Can Start to Rebuild Your Credit Immediately
Declaring bankruptcy may initially be a setback for you, but once you filed bankruptcy, you can start to rebuild your credit score right away. Those who filed for bankruptcy are eligible to apply for a mortgage loan two years after filing bankruptcy. You can apply for car loans as soon as the debt discharge process has started. Whether you filed for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and got a bankruptcy discharge, or managing your debt repayment plan under a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you can start rebuilding your credit score even after you go bankrupt. Credit counseling will also be provided after bankruptcy.
- Bankruptcy Exemptions. A bankruptcy exemption might allow you to keep certain properties and assets when you “exempt” an asset. This means that your property will no longer be seized. Different bankruptcy exemptions are depending on the type of bankruptcy you’ll file.
To help you with the bankruptcy process, our Troy bankruptcy attorneys can help. We can provide you with the legal help you need.
Disadvantages of Filing for Bankruptcy
If you’re considering bankruptcy, here are a few of its disadvantages that you would need to consider:
- Your Credit Score Will Be Affected. Once you filed for bankruptcy, it will stay on your credit report for 10 years after bankruptcy. Once you file a petition, your credit score will go down from 200 to 160 points. However, most petitioners are already suffering from bad credit before bankruptcy, and the debt discharge can also give you a clean slate in your credit history, giving you a fresh start after bankruptcy.
- Not All Debts Are Dischargeable. Although bankruptcy is a great debt-relief tool for unsecured debts like credit card bills, huge medical expenses, or unpaid utilities and rent, your other debts won’t be discharged. Student loans, child support, criminal restitution, and fines, or any debts acquired through fraud are non-dischargeable debts that can’t be canceled through a declaration of bankruptcy.
Bankruptcy filing might seem like it’s the only solution to your financial problems, but there are also other alternatives to bankruptcy. Our Troy bankruptcy lawyers can help improve your financial situation.
Contact us today at Hammerschmidt Stickradt & Associates to schedule a consultation.
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Why Choose Michigan Bankruptcy Attorneys?
Compassion Backed By Experience
With over 15 years of experience, we know this is a difficult journey – and will treat you with the care and compassion you deserve.
Dedicated Problem Solvers
When you put our investigative expertise to work, we’ll dig deeper into the details than other attorneys – which makes the winning difference.
Respected in the Legal Community
With years of trial experience, we have long-established credibility with judges, insurance companies, and other attorneys.
Individualized Attention to Every Case
You’ll work directly with one of our attorneys, who treat every client as their only client. No matter how long it takes, we’ll see your case through.
