Chapter Seven Bankruptcy
Monday, May 4th, 2009There are two alternatives for filing bankruptcy as a consumer, chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcy. Chapter 7 is often referred to as liquidation as all of your valuable property that is not exempted is sold in order to pay off your creditors. Exempt belongings is that property that the bankruptcy trustee allows you to keep in order to continue living a normal life, like a automobile, clothing, furniture to sit on, etc. States are allowed to set different bankruptcy exemptions, as well as Federal exemptions that can be used in some states.
In order to legally to file a chapter 7 bankruptcy petition, you must be an individual, you must take a credit counseling course from an authorized agency within the 180 days before filing for chapter 7 bankruptcy relief, and pass the means test which is completed with yor petition.
In a ch 7 bankruptcy petition, you will have to file schedules that list your debts, assets, household income and bills. Copies of tax returns, pay stubs and credit counseling certificate will also have to be filed. Bankruptcy filers who are married must provide the spouses information even if they are not going to file bankruptcy together so the bankruptcy court can determine the households ability to pay the debts.
When finishing your petition, you will have the option to continue paying and maintaining your property if you are able to, such as your domicile or auto, by making a reaffirmation agreement with the company that holds the debt. By reaffirming the debt you are recognizing that you intend to make payments. If the trustee approves your reaffirmation agreement, the creditor may be able to repossess the property if you do not pay.
When you file your chapter 7 bankruptcy documents you will have to give a filing fee of $299. This cost can be paid in installments, up to 4 no later than 120 days after filing your petition. Once you file, the bankruptcy stay is in effect, creditors cannot call, collect or file lawsuits. Each of your credit companies will be advised that you have filed bankruptcy and yielded a chance to respond. Within 20-40 days a 341 meeting will be called. During this meeting, the bankruptcy trustee and your creditors may ask you questions under oath about your debts, assets, income, expenses and your ability to pay.In the next 10 days the trustee rules on whether your case is abusive. If the trustee finds a presumption of abuse you can be forced to file ch 13 instead.
The trustee then liquidates your assets if any are not exempt and gives the profits to creditors. After liquidation a discharge is granted to you, which wipes out the rest of your debts.