Consumer Bankruptcy

Consumer Bankruptcy, Debt Relief

Defaulting on Debt v. Filing Bankruptcy

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It can be tempting to want to walk away from debt in lieu of filing for bankruptcy. But doing so will not provide the consumer with the clean slate that a bankruptcy discharge offers. It is often better to face these debts in a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy case instead of choosing to default on them.

Whenever a consumer fails to make payments on a loan or financial obligation, this failure to pay is otherwise known as a default. Lenders all have their own requirements on what exactly qualifies as a “default,” including how many payments have been missed before the account is officially considered in default.

Bankruptcy Law, Consumer Bankruptcy

Steps to File for Bankruptcy in 2021

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Bankruptcy is an important tool, that allows consumers to obtain a fresh financial start. For many, the concept of bankruptcy is unfamiliar, and understanding the steps needed to file for bankruptcy is important in fully understanding the process.  

Choosing a Chapter 

The first step is determining which type of bankruptcy to pursue. Bankruptcy is not a one-size-fits-all type of situation. Choosing the right type of bankruptcy hinges a great deal on the individual’s specific circumstances. The most common two categories used by consumers are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. For filers who fall under a certain level of income and can pass the mean test, meaning they earn less than Florida’s median income, Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the best selection for them.  Alternatively, if a consumer earns too much to qualify for Chapter 7, a Chapter 13 reorganization bankruptcy may be the best avenue for him or her.  

Bankruptcy Law, Consumer Bankruptcy

Will Filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Prevent Vehicle Repossession?

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When someone is behind on his or her car payments, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case may allow him or her to catch up on these missed car payments, saving the vehicle from repossession. The ability to do this depends on how far behind the borrower is on his or her payments and whether the loan is already in default.   

While a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case will not permanently prevent the person’s vehicle from ever being repossessed, it can provide the borrower a chance to catch up on missed payments or negotiate with the lender before the loan goes into default.  

Bankruptcy Law, Consumer Bankruptcy

The Cost of Filing Bankruptcy in 2021

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Filing for bankruptcy comes with its own set of costs. It may seem counterintuitive that a person who is having difficulty paying his or her bills can pay extra costs to receive relief from his or her financial obligations. However, just because someone is not able to pay his or her bills should not prevent them from hiring an attorney to file their bankruptcy case. While “do it yourself” projects may be a good idea around the house, there are reasons to let a professional handle your bankruptcy filing.

Consumer Bankruptcy, COVID-19

Personal Bankruptcy Filings Drop in Light of COVID-19 Pandemic Relief

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Personal bankruptcy filings are down, leaving many financial analysts questioning whether the drop in filings can be attributed to financial relief offered from governmental pandemic relief programs or to other economic factors. This stimulus relief offered consumers a much-needed financial boost, but the question remains how long this boost will hold off future bankruptcy filings. 

Consumer Bankruptcy, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Small Business Bankruptcy

U.S. Bankruptcy Filings Drop 38 Percent

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Bankruptcy filings are on the decline, according to a recent report.  Statistics released by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, reveal bankruptcy filings dropped 38.1 percent for the 12-month period ending March 31, 2021. This dramatic drop in filings coincides with the COVID-19 pandemic, which first disrupted the economy in March 2020.

Bankruptcy filings fell for both personal and business bankruptcies. Non-business filings fell by a total of 38.8 percent, while business filings fell 13.9 percent.