Consumer Personal Bankruptcy and the Purpose of Credit Card Debt

In this challenging economy, many people are financially overextended and the initial things they quit making payments on are credit cards. Since credit cards are believed to be an unsecured loan, they are usually listed in bankruptcy filings. Additionally, since several consumers have a huge amount of consumer credit card debt, it is almost always involved in the choice to file for personal bankruptcy protection.

Credit card companies may be happy to work with consumers on cutting down their monthly installments or reducing the interest rate on the card, but typically they will want the money they are owed, leaving an individual feeling stressed by debt. That is not to say it is the credit card debt alone that is driving them to the verge of bankruptcy. Most often, those seeking personal bankruptcy relief also have an abundance of other debt. Though, in most instances the requirement for payments could possibly be the deciding aspect in your bankruptcy filing.

It can also sway the decision to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy over the Chapter 13 filing. In Chapter 7, qualified debts are eradicated and with the unguaranteed status of unsecured credit card debt, other than losing card privileges and having it marked on your credit history, the competent debt will be removed.

With a Chapter 13 individual bankruptcy, the company will be paid back over the life of the individual bankruptcy ruling, and you will still lose the credit card privileges and the bankruptcy will be on your report. Chapter 13 requires you to make monthly obligations to a court trustee. In this instance, the court trustee will simply disperse the repayment to the creditors for you.

One issue that the personal bankruptcy court might use to refuse to discharge a credit card debt is if it is believed to have been elevated as a result of fraudulent activity. That is if you made several charges on the card of luxury items in anticipation of filing for personal bankruptcy, with no intention of paying for them.

The charge card company can resist the release of the debt and if proven the legal court can rule that you still must repay that loan, regardless of whether all other debts are deemed qualified and discharged. It's not very common however, and if you have a great bankruptcy attorney in Washington, they can help you if the situation does happen and you're not guilty of the accusation.

Prior to making any decisions regarding personal bankruptcy, be sure to chat with your bankruptcy attorney about options you've got or do not have. The bankruptcy lawyer will help you figure out whether you need to file for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy or Chapter 13 and can even help you with any type of bankruptcy forms you'll want to file.

The Bankruptcy Filing Process

For many people the process of declaring bankruptcy may seem exceptionally complicated and for the inexperienced person, it is. However, an experienced bankruptcy lawyer can guide you through all of the steps required to insure that when you get to court, everything goes smooth. The process is much more detailed than merely proving to the court you can't pay your bills and with fresh federal bankruptcy law changes, it can be extremely burdensome to file without the assistance of an expert.

When you finally decide you might want to file for bankruptcy, contact an attorney who concentrates on bankruptcy law. They will actually figure out, based on the amount and type of your debt and existing income, whether you qualify for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 personal bankruptcy. Those people who are unemployed or have constrained income will probably be able to file Chapter 7, meaning all unsecured debts might be wiped clean. When filing for Chapter 7, some the secured debts will also be reduced, but it really does depend on the kind of debt or collateral held.

You will then need to list all of your current assets, including any pending earnings such as lottery winnings or payments due from legal settlements. Your lawyer may also have you fill out loads of paperwork needed to file to the court. Furthermore, courses on financial management and budgeting will also be expected, before and after you file, before the court can finish the procedure, helping you to begin with a clean financial slate.

People that don't qualify for a Chapter 7 personal bankruptcy will likely have the choice to file for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, allowing them to pay monthly payments to a court trustee to eliminate the debts during a period of a few years. Under a Chapter 13, you'll be allowed to keep all of your property and assets, even your secured finance, and lenders will have no choice but to simply accept the terms established by the court trustee.

Regardless of what type of personal bankruptcy your attorney determines suits your financial condition will be filed to the court. On your appearance date, you will be required to show up in front of the individual bankruptcy judge and, after responding to a few questions and providing your attorney has filed the required forms, you will have about six months before your bankruptcy is completed.

Individual Bankruptcy Regulations In Washington

Quite often, bankruptcy laws stick to federal regulations, with most states also toting their own particular rules as well. Those hoping to declare themselves bankrupt in the state of Washington ought to talk to a bankruptcy lawyer experienced not just in the bankruptcy course of action but one who is likewise familiar with the state regulations regarding asset exemption.

The initial step your Washington bankruptcy attorney will do is obtain your information and help you determine whether you wish to file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Chapter 7 is considered the most common variety that allows those that have few assets to shed unsecured debts like credit card and medical bills. If you have a car loan, mortgage or some other secured debt, Chapter 13 will allow you to maintain your main assets.

In some states, like Washington, you can find exemptions placed on specific items like clothing which won't be sold to fulfill debtors if you seek bankruptcy relief. Considering that the exemption amounts can be different between the state and federal amounts you, through the help of a bankruptcy legal representative, can determine which ones offer the most gain.

For instance, the Homestead Exemption protects up to $125,000 of your home's value and domestic furnishings up to $2,700 or $5,400 for a couple, may very well be exempt from being taken by the court and marketed to satisfy part of your fiscal troubles. Retirement funds, pension plans and around $2,500 for your car or truck can also be exempt from individual bankruptcy. If you are using specific tools for your employment, up to $5,000 can also be claimed as an exemption.

The one thing to look at is that the bankruptcy court will look closely at those who transfer to the state immediately before filing bankruptcy in the state of Washington. Persons who move into the state to take advantage of the larger exemptions than may be available in their preceding home state will probably be denied bankruptcy security.

Keep in mind, if most of your assets won't be included, Chapter 7 is likely to be your best choice. Even so, for those who have more assets than what the courts permit, Chapter 13 stands out as the way to go. Your bankruptcy attorney will help you discover how to ease your debt load, to help keep your property. A knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney can help you figure out what your next move ought to be and give you the very best possibility of being approved for bankruptcy. Thus, before you make any decisions about your individual bankruptcy, contact an experienced bankruptcy attorney.

What Your Bankruptcy Lawyer Needs From You

If you are employing a bankruptcy lawyer, you should make sure all of the paperwork they request is finished in an accurate and timely manner. Following your first meeting with the lawyer or attorney, they will give you a wealth of documents you will need to fill out.

You will need to fill out all of the information relating to your cash flow, whether it is earned or unearned earnings such as retirement or disability as well as any gifts, prizes or prizes that you have received in the immediate six months before declaring bankruptcy. Earned income consists of anything you receive from employment and all sources of income will have to be verified.

Personal assets will also need to be listed which includes any vehicles or property you may own, as well as those on which a loan or mortgage is owed. Though many personally owned items can be exempt from being confiscated and sold to help you reduce your debt, your lawyer or attorney can help show you through which possessions will be subject to forfeiture.

Your everyday living expenses will also be documented, with already court recognized limits and allowable expenses being considered. Employment will additionally need to be verified in addition to any unemployment compensation you may be receiving. There are a couple of things to keep in mind when filling your bankruptcy paperwork, which includes all income and expenses you declare should have documentation confirming all of the numbers you claim. Remember, you're reporting these items to a court of law. Therefore, every thing must be totally accurate and truthful.

Claimed expenditures will have to be supported by recent bills and receipts for the expenses that you claim have been paid. In terms of income verification, pay sheets or documentation from unearned revenue sources must be provided. It is critical to be truthful, as the personal bankruptcy court has access to your main income sources and can opt to independently uncover all bank holdings, retirement accounts or other varieties of savings.

Although you can most certainly file for bankruptcy without legal aid from a lawyer, you ought to work with a bankruptcy attorney who can provide you with the loads of overwhelming paperwork. If you turn in files to the bankruptcy court that's incomplete, erroneous or full of untruths, your case will be thrown out and you won't be granted your bankruptcy. Your time will be lost and your chance to reboot your financial future will have passed unsuccessfully.

Thus, it is advisable to come prepared to your bankruptcy attorney any time you meet. They can help you, if you permit them to do so. If you do want them to work at their greatest potential for you, be sure you follow their directions and offer them with the documentation they need as soon as possible.

Individual Bankruptcy Rules and regulations You Need To Understand

Individual bankruptcy can provide a chance to get your life back on track and to offer you hope for your economic future. Due to the fact bankruptcy cases are addressed via the federal court in your area of residence, you'll want to know the federal bankruptcy regulations before you decide to file. There are a few differences between federal regulations and other guidelines in each state, but if there's ever a contradiction between the rules, federal rules take precedence. It is advisable to study the differences before filing.

To be certain your bankruptcy filing procedure is perfect, it is vital you work with a skilled bankruptcy attorney. The Oregon bankruptcy lawyer you have chosen could advise you about the regulations for individual bankruptcy, including any state limitations which might be aside from the federal rules, and will make sure that the correct paperwork is effectively done and filed before being submitted to the legal court.

Due to numerous regulations covering federal bankruptcy, it is best to have an attorney prepare your filing. Sure, you can submit the paperwork yourself, however, if you make a mistake it could set you back lots of time or even end in your case being thrown out for bankruptcy. As a result, hiring a qualified attorney can help you ensure you're not making any mistakes.

Bear in mind, there is absolutely no law which declares you need to have an attorney at law to file for bankruptcy, although the intricate nature of the act results in a recommendation of using a legal representative. Also, if your filings aren't completed to the expectations of the courtroom, your filing might be thrown out of court.

Anytime you file for federal individual bankruptcy there's no process for dealing with a state court, however, many states often have marginally different regulations for bankruptcy. Guidelines that have an impact on the style of debts that might be eliminated through bankruptcy might be completely different in certain states, which means that a debt eligible for being wiped out in one state may not be in another state.

Fortunately that if you are currently getting calls or letters from credit card companies, once you begin working with a Vancouver bankruptcy lawyer, you'll be capable of forward each and every call and correspondence to them. As soon as they have been informed of the imminent procedure, any method of contact should proceed through your lawyer.

Nonetheless, you should make sure that you maintain communications with the attorney to insure your bankruptcy filing is made without delay and that you don't miss any filing due dates. There is a chance that your individual bankruptcy petition can be dismissed if you can't allow your attorney to meet all deadlines recognized by the court.

For individuals who really need it, bankruptcy could be the light at the end of a personal debt filled tunnel. Nevertheless, the process for filing and becoming approved can be very long. Utilizing the services of a bankruptcy attorney, you can make certain you're getting through the process as quickly as possible.

Vancouver, WA Bankruptcy filing done easily

If you are a Vancouver, WA resident and you are trying to file for bankruptcy but don't know how, simply call Tom McAvity at his Vancouver, Washington office. All you have to do is dial 360-828-0110 for a FREE consultation.

In addition, if it is easier for you, set an appointment online for your free bankruptcy consultation today. All you have to do is click here.

If you have been looking for a way toward financial freedom, just know that bankruptcy has been the answer for millions of Americans and others worldwide. NWDRLF offers you the security and peace of mind you need when looking into bankruptcy.

Tom McAvity offers free consultations for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Vancouver, WA, as well as Portland and Salem, OR.

Consumer Bankruptcy Filings Rise in Middle Class

A PRWEB news release on June 30th notes that according to the Institute for Financial Literacy's Annual Consumer Bankruptcy Demographic Report, the effects of consumer and personal bankruptcy are more widespread across sectors of middle class America than ever before during what we now know as the "Great Recession."

The report suggests that consumers in need of bankruptcy in years past were those who earned $30,000 USD or less. According to the report, the yearly salary range for those seeking debt relief are in the group of consumers who make $60,000 USD per year or more. This is a massive shift statistically, but it helps to paint a clearer picture regarding those are in need of bankruptcy or other debt relief help. These numbers make sense to Tom McAvity; he and NWDRLF assist potential bankruptcy applicants everyday and can attest to the fact that the need for bankruptcy in Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon is no longer discriminating any group of consumers.

What’s the bottom line? These statistics tell Tom McAvity and other bankruptcy attorneys that those who need their help are not in any one demographic anymore — it's a need that has swept the nation. That said, all consumers who might be in denial of their need to file for bankruptcy could be doing themselves a disservice.

If you are among the group in need of debt relief in Vancouver, WA or in the Salem or Portland, OR areas, consider having a free consultation with Tom McAvity and NWDRLF. All you have to do is call 1-866-601-1918 — and remember, the consultation is free and confidential.

Bankruptcy Attorney Tom McAvity: May 2010 Bankruptcy Filings Highest in 5 Years

If you didn't believe that bankruptcy had become a wise choice for millions of Americans, the you may want to consider what the Reuters recently reported. According to the Reuters article by Jonathan Stempel, bankruptcy filings for May 2010 fell into the second highest number of filings in the U.S. since 2005. What Stempel tells us is that just because the markets may be on the rise in some sectors, this is not a direct reflection of what the average American is going through financially.

Stempel quotes Mike Bickford, president of AACER as saying, "Just because the economy gets better doesn't mean that consumers can work off cascading debt problems that surfaced earlier," So what does this mean? The bottom line is that this is the truth. Bankruptcy is a viable option that many people who should are not taking advantage of. Some out of fear, some out of shame, some because they don't want a bad credit report.

Tom McAvity and NWDRLF can tell you that your credit score will only improve if you are a candidate for bankruptcy and you use it as a tool to reorganize your debt before it spirals completely out of control. You have options -- and not only are they there for you, you are entitled to them as a consumer. Make use of your options. Get a fresh start with the help of Tom McAvity.

Everything we need to know about the reality of this economy is out there -- millions of people need help, and the Northwest Debt Relief Law Firm and Tom McAvity want you to succeed and repair your credit. Call today for a FREE bankruptcy consultation by dialing 1-866-601-1918.

Vancouver Bankruptcy: Credit After Bankruptcy is Possible

One of the most common reasons by far that people don't file for bankruptcy is that they live under the misconception that bankruptcy will keep them from ever being able to attain credit again. This is simply not true. As a matter of fact, the sooner you get your finances organized, the more likely you are to be eligible for new lines of credit sooner. That's where filing for bankruptcy with bankruptcy attorney Tom McAvity comes into play for your family's financial health.

Tom McAvity has experience helping hundreds of people just like you. Lenders like to see that consumers are making -- or have made an effort to get back on track. The very word "bankruptcy" is taboo even today, but it ought not be. Those who do qualify for bankruptcy in Vancouver who take it seriously, stay organized, and make their payments on time will be surprised at how quickly they are back on their feet in terms of credit eligibility.

Tom McAvity and NWDRLF can help you begin the Chapter 13 debt reorganization process, or get you started with a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Which type of bankruptcy is most appropriate for you will depend on your unique financial circumstances.

If bankruptcy is right for you, the fresh start it provides will lift a weight off your shoulders. NWDRLF offers free bankruptcy consultations. Get started today by dialing 1-866-601-1918.

Vancouver Bankruptcy Blog: 10% of US Homeowners 60 Days Delinquent

As May draws to a close, new reports suggest that approximately 10 percent of all home loans are delinquent in the U.S. by 60 days or more. The Mortgage Bankers Association noted that in addition to the national average of 10 percent, percentages in Nevada and Florida are trending closer to 20 percent.

Tom McAvity and the bankruptcy attorneys at the Northwest Debt Relief Law Firm know that this is not new news, and that this trend has been rather consistent for several fiscal quarters. For people seeking some kind of relief that just don't know where to turn, the smartest choice may be filing bankruptcy in Vancouver.

While filing for bankruptcy may not be the best option for everyone, for those it can help it helps immensely. By now most people who keep up with the news know that Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a popular choice for those facing foreclosure. If this shoe fits, it allows those who file to consolidate their debt (all credit cards, house payments, car payments, etc.) into one payment that is overseen by a trustee of the bankruptcy court.

If this is the right choice for your circumstances, bankruptcy attorney Tom McAvity can help you file your bankruptcy in Vancouver, WA, or Salem and Portland, OR. Many people may not realize it, but bankruptcy is a very wise choice for many. If you're eligible to file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, let Tom McAvity and NWDRLF help you today. All you have to do is pick up the phone and dial 1-866-601-1918 for your free bankruptcy consultation.

Vancouver, WA Bankruptcy Attorneys can Help You

If you have been contemplating bankruptcy and think you'd like to begin the process but just don't know where to begin, it is time for you to contact Vancouver, WA bankruptcy attorney Tom McAvity. There are many options, and you likely have not been presented with all of the debt relief options you may be eligible for.

Most consumers with a great deal of debt, whether from credit cards, medical bills, or an upside down mortgage will be eligible for either Chapter 13 or Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings. There are other options, such as home loan modification, debt consolidation, and other debt relief options. Tom McAvity and other bankruptcy attorneys with Northwest Debt Relief Law Firm will not know which of these options best suits your unique financial needs until he or she has reviewed your information. The good news is that all NWDRLF consultations for bankruptcy are free, and you will have 24-hour access to your case file through our secure online portal.

We know that you probably don't know what lies ahead for you and your family financially, and we also know how scary that can be. But what bankruptcy offers is a fresh start, and a way for you to step out of that fear and move on with your life. Tom McAvity and the NWDRLF want you to have a fair chance at a great future. Call us today for a free bankruptcy consultation by dialing 1-866-601-1918.

Foreclosure Defense and Filing Bankruptcy in Vancouver

Bankruptcy Attorney Thomas McAvity has helped many people face bankruptcy in Washington, and for many of these people the main focus has been foreclosure defense. Why? Because most of the millions upon millions of bankruptcies being filed are the result of home foreclosures caused by sub-prime and ARM mortgages.

Using Chapter 13 bankruptcy to protect yourself from predatory lenders will allow you to move on financially. If you qualify for Chapter 13 you will be offered debt reorganization and you will be assigned a trustee from the bankruptcy court. This trustee will handle all of your debt in a consolidated manner, and you will only need to make one payment which will cover all of the debt you owe to your mortgage company and any other creditors that you owe. Scheduling a free consultation with attorney Thomas McAvity can help you and your Washington bankruptcy attorney figure out which form of bankruptcy best suits your unique needs.

If you are interested in Chapter 13 bankruptcy and think you may qualify, call Thomas McAvity and the Northwest Debt Relief Law Firm today by dialing 1-866-601-1918.