Important Steps To Take Before You File For Bankruptcy

Are you thinking about filing for bankruptcy?

Handling financial stress and anxiety isn’t easy. If you’re dealing with an unfortunate financial situation you feel like you can’t escape, you might be wondering what your options are for moving forward. In some cases, bankruptcy could be the right decision. This allows you to essentially start over financially. In some cases, filing for bankruptcy can essentially give you a clean credit slate from which to work. with. It will impact your credit score and may affect your ability to acquire loans or new credit cards but filing for bankruptcy can help reduce your regular monthly payments and can free you up financially. Before you make this decision, though, there are a few important steps you should take.

1. Understand your debts

Make sure you know what you owe and who you owe it to. Many adults who are in financially draining situations struggle with understanding exactly how much they owe. They may understand that they have a lot of debts and bills to pay each month, but they may not realize exactly what each payment is going toward. Reach out to lenders and ask for recent statements that will show exactly how much money you owe them and why. For example, it’s possible that a large portion of your debt payments go toward late fees or fines. You may be paying a lot when it comes to interest. Understanding who you owe and why can help you determine whether bankruptcy is the right choice.

2. Consider your personal income

Do you have a job? Are you getting paid regularly? Are you dealing with problems regarding your employer? Make sure you understand how much money you make each month in comparison with your debts. In some cases, simply creating a budget and adjusting how you’re spending can help reduce your debts. In other cases, your debts may simply be too high for your current income levels. If this happens, bankruptcy may be inevitable.

3. Contact lenders

Consider reaching out to lenders to talk about reduced payment options and to discuss loan forgiveness. Sometimes, a lender will be willing to work out a reduced fee payment if you simply ask. In other cases, lenders are open to discussing loan forgiveness, especially if you’re still willing to pay a portion of the total debt. You won’t know until you ask, however, so don’t be afraid to reach out and talk about these options with your lenders.

If you believe that bankruptcy is the right decision for you, reach out to your attorney today. Your bankruptcy lawyer wants to make sure that you have the best experience moving forward. They can help you evaluate your personal situation and discuss which type of bankruptcy is right for you. Furthermore, your lawyer can help you begin the bankruptcy process right away. What are you waiting for? Call today for your initial consultation.