The decision to file bankruptcy is one that is never made lightly. Although the process can stop wage garnishment and lawsuits, the process can be time consuming and costly. Some Virginia residents who wish to file should contact a Prince William County bankruptcy lawyer. These professionals know the proper procedures to follow and can determine which kind of case should be filed.
Usually, one of two types is filed, a Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13. In a Chapter 7, all assets are liquidated to pay the debts. The remainder of the debts are then discharged. Homeowners in this situation will often have to give up their house and couples can lose their second vehicle. This can place further strain on a family that is already stressed.
Chapter 13 is a reorganization. With this form, many debts are satisfied by payments to a trustee for a period of several years. This form can allow individuals to keep assets that they might lose if they filed a Chapter 7. Payment amounts are determined based upon income, this can place a financial strain on filers.
Both types of filers must pay the lawyer fees for filing and handling their case. Many lawyers will begin a case for a flat fee and the remainder of the amount due can be added into the payments. Payments are made to the trustee and must be made each month in a timely manner. Creditors cannot contact the debtor during the bankruptcy period.
After a specified amount of time, debts that remain are discharged and the creditor's responsibility for those debts listed in the case has ended. Monthly payments to creditors for homes or vehicles will continue unless they were satisfied in the bankruptcy.
There are certain debts that cannot be discharged. These can include tax bills and student loans. Sometimes student loans can be discharged, but this is not common. There are several methods of dealing with student loan debt.
Most student loan servicers allow debtors to request a forbearance or other extension on time to pay. It is also possible to make payments based upon income. After thirty years of payments, the remainder of the loans is often written off. Other methods of removing student loan debt include working for a non-profit agency for several years and claiming permanent disability. Often, even student loans that have been sent for collection cannot be written off.
A bankruptcy does have a significant impact on credit scores and can remain on a credit report up to ten years. A reorganization can result in the score actually rising during the payment period since regular payments are being made. Poor credit scores can result in difficulties purchasing a vehicle, becoming employed, or renting a home. There are companies that will work with people that have bad credit, however. Filing should be the last resort but can help those suffering from large amounts of debt.
Usually, one of two types is filed, a Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13. In a Chapter 7, all assets are liquidated to pay the debts. The remainder of the debts are then discharged. Homeowners in this situation will often have to give up their house and couples can lose their second vehicle. This can place further strain on a family that is already stressed.
Chapter 13 is a reorganization. With this form, many debts are satisfied by payments to a trustee for a period of several years. This form can allow individuals to keep assets that they might lose if they filed a Chapter 7. Payment amounts are determined based upon income, this can place a financial strain on filers.
Both types of filers must pay the lawyer fees for filing and handling their case. Many lawyers will begin a case for a flat fee and the remainder of the amount due can be added into the payments. Payments are made to the trustee and must be made each month in a timely manner. Creditors cannot contact the debtor during the bankruptcy period.
After a specified amount of time, debts that remain are discharged and the creditor's responsibility for those debts listed in the case has ended. Monthly payments to creditors for homes or vehicles will continue unless they were satisfied in the bankruptcy.
There are certain debts that cannot be discharged. These can include tax bills and student loans. Sometimes student loans can be discharged, but this is not common. There are several methods of dealing with student loan debt.
Most student loan servicers allow debtors to request a forbearance or other extension on time to pay. It is also possible to make payments based upon income. After thirty years of payments, the remainder of the loans is often written off. Other methods of removing student loan debt include working for a non-profit agency for several years and claiming permanent disability. Often, even student loans that have been sent for collection cannot be written off.
A bankruptcy does have a significant impact on credit scores and can remain on a credit report up to ten years. A reorganization can result in the score actually rising during the payment period since regular payments are being made. Poor credit scores can result in difficulties purchasing a vehicle, becoming employed, or renting a home. There are companies that will work with people that have bad credit, however. Filing should be the last resort but can help those suffering from large amounts of debt.
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