What You Must Find Out Before You File For Bankruptcy
The legal process of bankruptcy is available to people to use when they desperately need financial relief from debt. Yet, it is a complex process that requires a lot of consideration before using it. In fact, if this is an option you are seriously considering at this time, here are three things you must find out before you file.
What the effects will be
Without fully understanding the impact and effects bankruptcy will have on your finances, credit, and life, it will be hard to make a wise decision about whether to file or not. Because of this, you should find out exactly how filing would affect you, your future, your finances, and your credit. Bankruptcy can have a lot of great effects and results on these things; however, it could also affect you in ways that are negative, too. Your credit, for example, will worsen after you file, and this effect will last for up to 10 years. Knowing and understanding these things is important before you sign your name on the paperwork.
The costs of filing
Secondly, you should fully understand how much it will cost to file. Filing for bankruptcy has costs, and you will have to pay the fees before your attorney files the documents. The amount of money it will cost for you will depend on which branch you use, the lawyer you select, and the complexity of your financial situation.
The alternatives to bankruptcy
The third thing to find out before filing is if there are any effective alternatives that you could use. While bankruptcy could be the best option for the situation you are currently in, there is also a chance that there is a better option. You will have the opportunity to learn about the alternative options when you meet with a lawyer and when you complete your first credit counseling course. As you learn about alternatives to bankruptcy, it is vital for you to consider each option and the effects it would have if you chose that option instead of using bankruptcy for debt relief.
Once you have the answers to these questions, you will be able to make a good decision about whether you should file. If you decide to file, you can do so by contacting a bankruptcy lawyer like David M. Todaro Co., LPA . If you need additional information about bankruptcy, you can also learn more by contacting a law firm that offers bankruptcy services.