Anytime a family is in the midst of filing for bankruptcy it’s a serious step. We’re talking about years taken away from your credit life when you take this route. It’s an unfortunate path, but in all honesty some individuals (maybe even you) have to use it. Divorce couples are a prime example of those who usually need it to let them go their separate ways easier. However, if they just would have worked things out during their divorce it wouldn’t be an issue. The point is you need to look at all options before making a major decision.
Doing Nothing May be Your Best Answer
Even though there are many times where action is needed, debt problems may not be one of them. You have to know what you’re getting into and how credit companies work before you can make the best decision for your situation. Since creditors have to spend all kinds of money on legal fees just to solidify their claim, if your balance is less than what it cost, they won’t waste anymore money. If you owe a company $400 and their fees are over a grand, you might as well do nothing at all.
Out of Money
While there are many people who are just lazy about paying their bills, there are some who just can’t. You may fall under this category where you want to get rid of the creditors, but can’t come up with the funds to do it. What creditors do is look at the whole landscape of your credit. If you owe three different companies $500, $1000, and $2500 they even try. Why? Well, the money would barely cover their legal fees and then they have to worry about actually enforcing the ruling.
Even if they won, they would need to look into getting it enforced! Remember that most of your budget is completely out of the creditor’s reach. For instance, they can’t touch you clothing, furnishings, food money, Social Security payments, unemployment, public assistance and even 75% of your wages. Even if you pay the two higher amounts, it is unlikely that you will get taken to court! The truth is that sometimes doing nothing at all can result in your case getting written off.
While this is a huge benefit, you have to remember to keep from acknowledging anything. Anytime you do talk to a collector, make them aware that you have no recollection of any debt. This way the statute of limitations is still under effect and won’t start over if you acknowledge that you owe them money.
Negotiating Your Debt Away
Everything we mentioned above is why creditors always want to settle out of court. Not only will they alleviate all the legal fees, they’ll be able to collect some of that debt back. This is why it is so important to have all the knowledge of the subject at your fingertips. Without it you’ll be running to the bankruptcy lawyer without even batting an eye.
Then of course there is always the chance you go and talk with a bankruptcy lawyer. Getting the lay of the land before taking the leap is extremely important. Let them tell you about what you can expect and the path it will lead you on for the next decade. It’s a long journey and many individuals and families don’t realize it in the beginning. Heck, they may even help you start a debt settlement plan for the upcoming months.
When it’s all said and done we recommend utilizing a credit counseling program. Taking this route will allow you to get the appropriate help and understand the in depth material covered in bankruptcies and creditors. It will show you how the future is going to look, as well as the other side if you choose to stay away from bankruptcy all together. All you need is a reputable company to help you along the way like Nationwide Debt Solutions. Utilizing a big name like this will help you get back on your feet in no time.
With over 20 years in the consumer debt relief field, Daniel R. Michaelson is one of the leading authorities on effective Debt Settlement.
