With the rate of bankruptcies growing, it’s more common than ever for Atlanta residents to fall behind on home and car payments, not to mention basic living expenses. Then, a new bill arrives, or you lose your job, or a medical emergency occurs.
When should you file for bankruptcy in Atlanta?Should you hire an Atlanta bankruptcy lawyer immediately? And what possessions can you save? There are few definitive answers except in the rules of filing placed by the federal government. These are the same, technically, for everyone, but few of us have the exact same problems.
Read the following tips to help you make the bankruptcy decision.
1- Learn Your Options, Atlanta Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
You have two options in most cases for bankruptcy, Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. It’s important to know the differences if you file for bankruptcy in Atlanta. For one, Chapter 7 clears the majority of your debts within 4-6 months. Chapter 13 bankruptcy will not cancel most debts, except perhaps 2nd and 3rd mortgages, but it’s advantageous because you can hold onto more property. For example, if you fear home foreclosure, Chapter 7 bankruptcy might not help, but with Chapter 13 bankruptcy you can negotiate to save it or buy yourself more time to save it.
2-Alternatives to Filing Bankruptcy in Atlanta
There are some alternatives to filing bankruptcy in Atlanta, namely negotiating with creditors and working with debt counseling. If you are sick and tired of creditors calling your home, you can technically get help without filing bankruptcy. And it must be stated, just because you file bankruptcy does not mean creditors will always stop harassing you. If you work with a debt counseling agency, you can expect many benefits in repayment plans and also not have a bankruptcy on your record.
3-Save Your Home After Filing Bankruptcy in Atlanta
In some instances, filing bankruptcy in Atlanta is your best option. If you file Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you can buy time to repay past payments and also negotiate with creditors. The most helpful part is that you can often cancel 2nd and 3rd mortgages. Chapter 7 bankruptcy may cancel your debt, but you would also risk losing your home.
4-Credit Cards and Creditors
Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy can cancel credit card debt in a matter of months, as well as some other personal debts. There are some, such as taxes and alimony, which won’t be cleared. Once you file bankruptcy, you can direct creditors to your lawyer. They can still contact you after you file, but it’s wise to have your lawyer handle them,
5-Hiring Professional Atlanta Bankruptcy Lawyers
If you want to file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, hiring a professional bankrupt lawyer is one of the most important decisions you will make. A knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney in Atlanta can explain the options, the details of Chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcy, help with documentation and creditors, and also make your best case in court.
