Chapter 7 Bankruptcy - An Introduction
Saturday, February 28th, 2009
By the time you finish reading this, you will know the important point of Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If you are thinking that everyone can file for this type of bankruptcy, you are wrong. Only certain people can file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Well, if you are wondering who, you should read on.
Who Can File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
No everyone can file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. It is only available to individuals and also businesses. If you want to file for Chapter 7, assets should be limited to those that can be claimed as exempt.
Usually, filing for Chapter 7 may be best of one has a lot of assets. However, the decision on whether you are able to file for Chapter 7 is up to the court.
The Process
The process of filing for a Chapter 7 may be long as you are required to collect all the information about your debts and your financial situation. Other than that, you’re also required to meet with a counselor and attend counseling.
After this is done, you will then stat filling up some forms. After filling up the forms, you have to attend court to plead your case. The decision will be up to the court.
The whole process can last quite some time, but during the process you are protected from debt collection by creditors.
Risks of a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
If you think bankruptcy is an easy way to clear your debts, think again. Recent changes in the bankruptcy laws has made filing bankruptcy more difficult and in some cases impossible.
Filing for bankruptcy has quite a number of negative effects. Firstly, you can lose your assets. Other than that you will have a damaged credit record. This is especially bad as it may be difficult for you to get loans and credits in future.
However, according to new laws, you may be able to file for Chapter 13 instead of Chapter 7. This can be done if your income is deemed to be more than the set amount. The court will then decide how you can pay back the amount you owe.
So, there you have it! The important points of bankruptcy Chapter 7, one thing that you should remember; bankruptcy should not be seen as an easy way out to settle your debts and you will end up losing you assets. However, if you are serious about filing for Chapter 7, you should think about the result of filing for one.