Unexpected debts from medical bills can happen to anyone.
If you are struggling with medical bills, you are not alone. In fact, the average out-of-pocket medical costs for all medically bankrupt families was $17,943 (American Journal of Medicine, 2009).
If you are struggling with credit card debt, you are not alone. In fact, the average American household has $8,329 in credit card debt (Nilson Report, April 2009). With the unemployment rate at 9.5%, many Americans are using their credit cards to help make ends meet.
During these uncertain times, many hard-working Americans find themselves overwhelmed by financial problems. It can happen to the best of people, no matter what tax bracket they qualify for. If you or anyone you know find yourself in these circumstances, it is crucial that all options of relief are considered. However, most people find that filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the best alternative for financial relief.
After the current bankruptcy law went into effect in 2005, many people were left with the impression that bankruptcy relief was no longer available or too difficult to obtain. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Like most formidable situations, bankruptcy has earned its reputation based on very few truthful facts and too many false embellishments. The majority of the myths about bankruptcy have begun since the current bankruptcy laws went into effect in 2005. But have no fear, once you know the facts, filing for bankruptcy is not nearly as terrifying as it first appears. Here are some of the most common myths about bankruptcy and what you need to know before you clean your slate.
Bankruptcy law has gone through many changes in recent years, which makes a good lawyer more important than ever for a successful bankruptcy case. It is also important to be fully informed about what a prospective lawyer can offer and what to expect from them. If you are talking to a bankruptcy lawyer, here are four questions to ask them before signing a contract:
In October 2005, the laws which govern Chapter 13 bankruptcy changed. One of the more significant ways the law changed dealt with the eligibility requirements for filing for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
No one plans on dramatic financial changes, but they happen. When changes do arise to an individual in Chapter 13 bankruptcy, they might be misled into believing there is no other option than sticking to their schedule of set monthly payments. But they might be surprised to find that Chapter 13 bankruptcy has a great deal of flexibility.
In these difficult times, with thousands of people losing their jobs every month, it can be hard to keep up with all the expenses, especially when the bills keep coming. Falling behind on payments for a vehicle happens to the best of us. Sometimes life deals you adversity like an unexpected medical bill, a work related layoff or some other situation that no one plans for in the budget. You don’t have the money for it, but if you put off the car payment, you can get the bill paid, and hopefully can catch up on the car payment next month.
On October 17, 2005, new bankruptcy law went into effect, changing the process of filing for bankruptcy throughout the United States. This new shift in law requires additional steps to be taken by the attorney and the debtor but has been geared toward benefiting the debtor with the end result. The following details explain the changes in the law and how they will affect anyone considering bankruptcy.
