Can you retain your property in the event that you file for bankruptcy?
Can You Remain in Your Home If You Declare Bankruptcy?
In bankruptcy, secured debts may be protected
If you have a home mortgage or car loan, or another type of secured debt, you might be wondering if you can keep the property in the event that you declare bankruptcy. While the answer is generally yes however, there are a few exceptions to this rule. It is recommended to discuss your specific circumstance with an attorney and be aware of the implications of filing.
Secured debt is property that is secured by a lien to the debt. This is the very first aspect you should know about it. If you fail to make your payment, a creditor may take possession of your collateral. However, they cannot claim bankruptcy against you. You are able to keep your property as long as you make regular payments. But the secured loan can't be used to repay. If you file the event of a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you will need to reaffirm your debt if you wish to keep your home.
If you're in debt on your mortgage or car payments, you'll need to reaffirm the debt in your bankruptcy. This will let you solve your financial issues and get back on track with your obligations. However, it can allow the creditor to repossess your property, which will result in the loss of value of your property.
Secured creditors are based on an agreement to secure the property, such as a trust deed, a mortgage or a judgment lien. They are able to take your home if you do not make your payments, and they can collect interest and attorneys' costs from the property. It is imperative to pay back the debt after it is repossessed.
You can reduce your expenses by retaining your collateral. You must retain the insurance you purchased to protect your purchase, and continue making your payments. You can either negotiate a new contract or transfer your collateral. Negotiations can result in your creditor reducing or extending the time you pay it, or offering different terms.
Another option to stay out of foreclosure is to sell your property. Some states allow creditors to acquire the equity that you own in your property, if you are behind in your mortgage. Selling your property may be an option to repay your debt if you are facing an emergency situation or require the money.
Reaffirming the debt through Chapter 7 bankruptcy is another option. While most debts can be discharged in bankruptcy, liens on secured debts will not. These liens will remain on your credit report and influence your credit score. After bankruptcy, it's important to check your credit reports.
Certain debts are able to be paid off, but they remain on your credit report. You will also need to meet a deadline in order to get your debts taken off of credit reports. Oftentimes people think they know the rules and regulations but they discover that what they believed to be true was nothing but. Rules change and sometimes are not well explained. Be sure to research the rules prior to declaring bankruptcy. While nobody wants to go through this however, you should be ready in case you are forced to.
It is often difficult to understand the bankruptcy procedure. The automatic stay, which acts as legal protection that stops creditors from taking further actions against you, is a crucial idea to remember. The debtor is entitled to end any collection actions and if you don't the creditor may be entitled to request the court to lift 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 many cases of bankruptcy fraud. People are sometimes taken advantage of in a situation they think is going to be beneficial, only to come to find out they're in greater financially trouble than they anticipated. Be sure to read the legal document and fully comprehend the implications of what you're signing prior to signing any legal documents.