WHAT TO DO WITH BANKRUPTCY INFORMATION

Having the best bankruptcy info is essential to making a plan so you can solve your financial problems and get on the road to better fiscal health. But what steps should you follow when looking at all this information?

Know Your Alternatives
The first information you should really take a long look at is your list of options. Your creditors should not be avoided- rather, it's better to talk to them to get the information regarding what choices they might have for you that will help you manage your debt without declaring bankruptcy. There are many third-party solutions you may have never thought of, such as debt consolidation, which can help you combine all your bills into one account and end collection harassment. If you have already tried all possible alternatives, though, you need to start getting information on what help and resources are open to you for your personal bankruptcy case.

Get Help If You Can
Check out your local directory for bankruptcy lawyers and legal assistance. Call as many as you can and get detailed information on what their services entail, how much they will charge, and what their experience or background is. Keep track of this information and keep it organized so you can compare professional services side by side. Money's tight, so make every effort to get the info you need to find the most cost-efficient legal assistance you can. When you have found a professional who can help you, you will want to start thinking about which bankruptcy chapter you're going to file- usually chapter 7 or chapter 13.

Decide Which Chapter To File
Not all bankruptcy cases are the same- you need to decide whether you intend to file chapter 7 and attempt a total discharge of all non-exempt debts, or chapter 13, which will allow you to re-organize your debts. Talk it over with your attorney and find out as much as you possibly can about each on your own. Consider how each choice might affect you later on. Make a list of the pros and cons as you see them in your case and compare them side by side.

Get Planning For The Future
Make another list of your goals, and remember- bankruptcy does not have to end them! It's important to start preparing yourself in order to re-build your assets and start fresh after your case is finished. Pick four or five distinct goals you want to accomplish in your personal and professional life and start planning on how you can make these a reality after you have filed bankruptcy. There are several possibilities for loans after bankruptcy and financing options that are open to people who have declared personal bankruptcy- consider these carefully and think about what better opportunities might arise if you are able to wait another 6 or 12 months in order to apply for new financing privileges. Keep track of what offers will be available to you when so that you can put time on your side.