Are you able to keep your property if you file for bankruptcy?
Can you keep your property if you declare bankruptcy?
Secured debts may stay during bankruptcy
If you are a homeowner with a mortgage or car loan, or another type of secured debt, it is possible to wonder whether you could keep the property if you file for bankruptcy. However, the majority of times, the answer is yes but there are some exceptions. It is crucial to speak with an attorney about your particular situation and the implications of filing.
The first thing to understand regarding secured loans is that it is an asset that has secured by a lien. There is a possibility for a lender to repossess your collateral if you are unable to pay your debts, but they cannot pursue you if you are in a bankruptcy. You are able to keep your property as long as you make regular payments. But, your secured loan cannot be used to repay. In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you must reaffirm your debt if you wish to keep your home.
If you are behind in your car or mortgage payment, you'll have to declare the debt as a part of your bankruptcy. This will give you the opportunity to address your financial issues and be back on track with your payment plan. It will allow the creditor to gain access to your property and will result in you losing the property's value.
Secured creditors are created by a security agreement that includes the deed of trust or mortgage, or judgment lien. If you don't pay them they are able to acquire possession of the property and demand attorney's fees and interest. It is imperative to pay the debt again after it's repossessed.
Saving your collateral could save thousands of dollars. You should keep the insurance that you paid to protect your purchase, and keep making payments. You can either negotiate the terms of a new contract with your creditor or transfer your collateral to a different person. Negotiations may be productive, leading to the creditor being able to reduce your debt and extending your period of time to pay, or providing other conditions.
Selling your property is another way to avoid foreclosure. If you are behind on your mortgage payments, certain states permit creditors to seize the equity in your home. Selling your home could be an option to repay your debt in the event of an emergency situation or require the money.
Reaffirming debts in Chapter 7 bankruptcy is another option. A majority of debts are wiped out in a bankruptcy, but certain liens associated with some secured debts won't be. The liens remain on your credit report, and could influence your credit score. Following bankruptcy, it's essential to examine your credit reports.
There are certain debts that are able to be paid off however they remain on your credit record. There is also a statute of limitation that needs time to be removed from your credit report. Most people think they're well-versed in the rules and regulations, only to find that they were wrong. Rules change and are often not well explained. Do your research prior to declaring bankruptcy. Although no one wants to go through this, you should be prepared for the event that you have to.
It can be difficult to understand the bankruptcy process. The automatic stay, which is a legal safeguard to stop creditors from taking any further action against you, is an important idea to remember. The debtor can stop the collection process, but you can choose not to stop them. If the creditor is not satisfied, they might be able to petition the court for the lifting of the stay. Look at websites such as https://www.ljacobsonlaw.com/pa/harrisburg-bankruptcy-attorney/ for more information on bankruptcy and seek professional advice to answer your questions.
There are a myriad of instances of fraud in bankruptcy. Some people are caught up in a scenario that they think is going to be helpful but only later discover they're in much more financial trouble than they thought. Before you sign any legal document, make sure you've review the small print.