Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Information On Chapter 7 Bankruptcy You Should Know

Most people have heard the word bankruptcy before and have an ideal of what it means, but it is the details that most people are unsure about that are the most important thing.

The issue of bankruptcy is one that a lot of people find mystifying. It is hard enough to keep your finances on track for the most part, let alone thinking about such a serious subject as bankruptcy.

If you find that you are in a financial down fall and you can not find another way out, then bankruptcy could be the way out for you. You can file for bankruptcy through different chapters, chapter 7 being the one an individual would use to file for personal bankruptcy.

The Nitty-Gritty

When it comes to chapter 7 bankruptcy information, there are a few basic things that you are going to want to be aware of. The first thing you should know is that a chapter 7 bankruptcy case does not entail the filing of a plan of repayment as in chapter 13, instead the bankruptcy trustee will need to collect and sell the debtor’s nonexempt assets and use the proceeds of these belongings in order to help pay the creditors off.

Eligibility is most definitely one of the most important parts when it comes to chapter 7 bankruptcy information. To be eligible for relief under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code, you may be an individual, partnership, or corporation or other business entity. Keep in mind that one of the primary reasons for bankruptcy is to dismiss certain debts to give an honest debtor a fresh start basically, and to allow them to get back on their feet.

If you are gathering information on chapter 7 bankruptcy, then you should know that there are several alternatives to the chapter 7 bankruptcy option that you should be aware of. You will probably be better off if there is something else that you can do other than file for chapter 7 bankruptcy.

The best thing you can do if you are really serious about filing for chapter 7 bankruptcy is speak to a professional, whether you speak with a personal accountant or go online to talk to a banker. By learning as much as possible you will be much more comfortable with this whole process and ensure that you are making the right choice.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Law: What is it?

If you own a troubled business, then consider using the Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Law. If your troubled business is not able to pay its debt or creditors, the business or its creditors are able to file with a federal bankruptcy law court for protection under the chapter 11 bankruptcy law.

There is a lot to know regarding the Chapter 11 Bankruptcy law, which will be discussed here in more detail for you.

What to Know

After filing the Chapter 11, the company filing may actually be able to emerge from bankruptcy after a few months. This is not, however, always the case, it could still take several years, the company may also still go under regardless, this should at least help protect you from a large financial burden.

All debtors who go through and file a chapter 11 case are required to propose a plan of reorganization, which basically means that after they go through with the filing, in the best interests of the creditors and the estate if the debtor fails to make or meet a proposal the case will be dismissed resulting in a return of the financial status.

Saving your business and getting out of financial trouble can be attained with the Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Law.

So as you can see, Chapter 11 Bankruptcy law can be very complex, but it will be well worth it for you to be educated on if you own a business, especially if it has been troubled lately and not doing well financially.

To find more information on this subject, it is appropriate to go to your bank and speak with a financial advisor. These are people who have been dealing with money and budgeting for their life, they are professionally trained to do so, and so you want to make sure that you get their advice.

Taking some time to do research on your own can help as well, so that you are completely educated and feel more comfortable with the process. Keeping yourself as educated and informed as you can on matters is something you should always do, especially when it comes to your finances. You never want to rush into something as serious as bankruptcy, so think it through and be sure that this is what will be best for you and your business.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Bankruptcy Laws

Bankruptcy Legalities

In 2005 the U.S. was introduced to new bankruptcy laws, which implemented with new bankruptcy laws that passed congress.

Before then, Chapter 7 was the most common form of bankruptcy in the United States, because in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy individuals are allowed to keep certain exempt property.

Many people spent years being careless with their credit and debts because it could be fixed with a quick filing for bankruptcy.

Now that the law has changed, there are more restrictions for filing chapter 7.

Previous to the updated bankruptcy law in 2005, people had the ability to select the code they wanted to file under.

It did not matter the amount of income you made either.

One of the biggest changes is that now those with a higher income will have to file under chapter 13 and therefore pay off some of their incurred debt.

The new law added certain limitations to be placed on bankruptcy lawyers.

It may be tougher now to find a lawyer who will represent you in a bankruptcy case.

In addition to the new income restrictions, there is also mandatory counseling that debtors must complete before and after filing for bankruptcy chapter 7.

Individuals that decide to pre-file, still have to complete the credit counseling requirement and people that post-file must complete a financial budget that they will use.

In light of our current economic situation, many feel these new standards should have been executed several years earlier.

These financial tools are designed to help people become better aware of their spending habits and to assist them in becoming more financially stable.

Similar to the changes in bankruptcy laws for chapter 7, filers for chapter 13 must provide income reports of their personal finances.

All disposable income left after paying actual living expenses must now go into their repayment plan.

The IRS now determines the allowed actual living expenses, not the actual living expenses, if their income is higher than the median income in their state or per capita. Before filing for bankruptcy, you need to carefully consider all your options and become well informed on the legal aspect surrounding any new laws that may pertain to your personal situation.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Alternatives To Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy - What Are the Alternatives?

Many people in today’s economy find themselves for the first time ever, in the position of considering bankruptcy.

There are many alternatives to bankruptcy if you are willing to put out the time and energy.

Bankruptcy is not something to take lightly and you should take the challenge seriously when researching alternatives that may help you begin to recover financially and prevent that type of legal action.

First thing you should do is to call your creditors, one at a time. Most are willing to work with you if you explain to them your situation.

Tell them you are considering bankruptcy.

Many times, your creditors will work together with you on a new payment plan that you can afford.

Don’t feel you need to hide information from them either.

Be straightforward and open about your financial situation.

Before filing bankruptcy, take a good, long hard look at your finances.

If you do not have a current working budget, then you should begin making one immediately.

Start with your monthly income and deduct your monthly household expenses.

By first understanding how you spend money each month, you will be in a better position to determine where you can begin to make changes.

Perhaps buying groceries in bulk, or cutting back on phone or cable services.

Remember every little bit will help and can make a big difference.

Credit Cards are another culprit to consider for the necessary changes needed. By working with your credit card lenders, you may be able to get your interest rate lowered.

Then you will need to get rid of those high interest credit cards all together.

Avoid the temptation to pay off a credit card with another credit card, as this will only add to the interest rate fees you have to pay. Another option to consider would be refinancing your home or you automobile.

Or, even though it can be uncomfortable to ask; you may have a family member willing to help out, especially if they know you are considering bankruptcy.

If your family member is kind enough to help in this way, make sure your priority is to pay off debt and pay back the loan, even if you have to do it in small payments and over a period of time.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

A Guide to Bankruptcy: The Problems it Poses

 

The term bankruptcy is one that no one really wants to hear, particularly when it pertains to themselves, but most people are functionally aware as to what the term bankruptcy actually means. You will find the following information useful if you want to learn more about it.

What Exactly is Bankruptcy

What bankruptcy basically is, is a legal process that helps a person with financial relief when dealing with financial problems, and it does this by stopping legal actions by creditors. Bankruptcy usually releases an individual from most if not all of their debts, this allows people to get their lives back together.

Bankruptcy has multiple laws to be aware of , if you want the broadest knowledge on this subject and be aware of exactly everything that is involved here.

If you wish to declare bankruptcy there are a few steps you must take.

First you will need to file the assignment in bankruptcy, and notify the creditors you owe of the bankruptcy, and then you will need to realize or settle on certain of the bankrupt’s assets, filing of tax returns, two counseling sessions and the discharge.

When You Should Have it

You will want to take a serious look at your finances before you decide to go ahead and do this, and speak to a financial advisor as well. Filing for bankruptcy is a serious decision, because it will take its toll on your credit, typically for about seven or eight years.

Remember that the two main purposes of this are to give creditors a fair share of the money that you owe them, and to give yourself a fresh start by discharging your debts. There are certainly drawbacks as well that you are going to have to take into consideration here, Not just the financial side of things but the emotional and physical headache the situation gives you.

Bankruptcy is not a fun subject to talk about by any means, but sometimes it can be a better thing than bad. If you are in serious financial trouble and basically just want a way to start over because you feel as though there is no other way to get out of the debt that you are in, bankruptcy may just be the answer.