Medical bills, job loss and divorce are some of the main reasons people file for bankruptcy today. Financial problems can sometimes lead to divorce and as a result it is not uncommon for couples to decide to file bankruptcy right after they get divorced. Here are some things to consider.
Whether or not you decide to file for bankruptcy before or after your divorce depends on the following:
- Which type of bankruptcy you file– If you file together, both of your incomes are used to qualify you for a Chapter 7, which may make you ineligible for this type of bankruptcy. An experienced bankruptcy attorney will help you determine which type of bankruptcy to file, a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.
- State exemption laws– All property you own is declared either exempt or non-exempt during a bankruptcy. Exempt property may be kept after the bankruptcy case has concluded. Florida has one of the most generous homestead exemptions in the country. Here are some of the most common bankruptcy exemptions in Florida.
- State laws concerning division of property during a divorce could be at odds with what property is exempt in a bankruptcy. The items you fought to keep after your marriage comes to an end could be in jeopardy, again in subsequent bankruptcy proceedings.
- The cost for filing a joint bankruptcy is the same as filing an individual one. This means you can save hundreds of dollars by filing together.
- Work together if possible. Filing bankruptcy jointly implies that you can work together, something that may be difficult to do, but worth it in the end.
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If you have any questions on this topic or are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade Garcia McMaken has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade Garcia McMaken website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.