Bankruptcy law is always evolving, but the vast majority of the rules and regulations governing bankruptcy law are still rooted in the major sweeping changes of these laws just a few short years ago. While some states also have specific laws concerning bankruptcy, in each and every case where the state law conflicts with the federal law, the federal law takes precedence. Therefore, it is rarely to one's advantage to file bankruptcy in another state other than your state of residence, even if that could be done, which is extremely difficult in most cases.
There are three major areas of bankruptcy that almost all people and businesses fall into, which are known as chapters. Chapter 13 of the bankruptcy law is used by consumers who have the ability to pay off their debts over time, typically from three to five years. It is important to note that while this is still termed bankruptcy, the consumer's debts are not wiped out, but rather the court intervenes to give them additional time to pay off their debts, and the creditors need to agree, regardless of the state of being past due.
By comparison, chapter 7 bankruptcy is the one most people think of when they are considering this drastic step to eliminate their financial debt. This is the most drastic type of bankruptcy and may require the liquidating of some of your assets to help pay off the debt, where your assets are classified as either exempt or non-exempt.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy is used by consumers to reorganize their debt and is typically the type used by businesses. Similar to chapter 7, it is important to note that this is reorganization under the protection of the bankruptcy courts, and it does not wipe out your debts.
Regardless of which type of chapter you are looking to file, you also need to be aware that there are certain types of debt that cannot be discharged, and perhaps not even reorganized, even with chapter 13. So if a major portion of your indebtedness is made up of these types of debts, then filing bankruptcy is not going to do you much good at all.
If you study and understand the law, you can use bankruptcy to your advantage. But this is a very tricky subject. Studies have shown and interviews with filers have indicated that the vast majority of people who have filed wished that they had done so with the help or at least supervision of a qualified bankruptcy attorney. Like anyone else who works in their field of study full time, these people are extremely qualified to know and understand how the law works, and in each individual situation, how those laws can be applied to your particular greatest advantage.
Since bankruptcy is such a drastic measure, you will of course want to consider what other options may be open to you. One option that is overlooked frequently is how debt consolidation services work, which can provide the necessary financial breathing room for you without the long-term negative affects that bankruptcy filing brings with it. Our web site talks about debt consolidation as an option for you to consider before jumping in with both feet.
Your best option to understand if bankruptcy law can work to your advantage or if you have other viable options is to take a free bankruptcy evaluation. There is a link at our web site for this, where your particular situation can be analyzed and recommendations made by a qualified bankruptcy lawyer local to you. When you have your options in front of you, it is easier to select which one will be best for your situation and circumstances.
Article Source: http://www.orbitaloc.com/
For more insights and additional information about Bankruptcy Law as well as getting a free bankruptcy evaluation from a qualified bankruptcy lawyer who is local to you, please visit our web site at www.bankruptcy-data.com
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