10 Common Bankruptcy Myths

Let our Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys educate you on how to file bankruptcy in Connecticut (CT). There is a lot of misinformation out there, and while it prevents many financially strapped people from seeking relief, much of it is simply not true. Chapter 7 bankruptcy will NOT ruin your credit forever, and there’s no truth to the rumor that no one can buy a house for 8 years after filing bankruptcy. Find out the truth about Chapter 7 bankruptcy and Chapter 13 bankruptcy by calling us today. There is NO CHARGE for an initial meeting.

Have you heard any of these “facts” from your friends and family?

WRONG.     If you have a competent lawyer representing you, the process should be straight-forward for most non-business debtors.

WRONG.  Most people who file for bankruptcy protection do not lose any property at all.

WRONG.      In most cases, people filing bankruptcy already have damaged credit scores.    In our experience, most people see a steady increase in their credit scores after filing.    Clients also report having an easier time obtaining some types of credit after bankruptcy, because they have significantly improved their debt-to-income ratio.

WRONG.      You will almost certainly keep your pension, IRA, and 401(k) in bankruptcy.

WRONG.   Employers are not allowed to fire someone (or take other adverse action) for filing bankruptcy.

WRONG.    If your spouse chooses not to file with you, your filing will not affect his/her credit.

WRONG.        You may always pay a debt voluntarily after bankruptcy if you choose to do so.    Bankruptcy only bars your discharged creditors from asking you for money – they can still accept your money if you give it to them of your own free will.

WRONG.      Many people are forced into bankruptcy because of medical debt, loss of a job, divorce, or similar circumstances beyond their control.   Bankruptcy laws aren’t new – they’ve been around since biblical times, and are intended to help good people get a fresh start.

WRONG.      Yes, it costs money to file bankruptcy.  However, when you think of the non-monetary benefits, all of a sudden the cost seems very reasonable.   For an average $2,000 to $5,000 investment (depending on whether you file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13), you will save yourself from losing sleep, feeling stressed, harassing phone calls, wage garnishments, and maybe even judgments.

WRONG.      Indeed, most people we meet with don’t have any savings, but we often find that what they pay in minimum fees to the credit card companies can cover the cost of the bankruptcy in 1 or 2 months.   Look at the big picture – if you keep sending that money to the credit card companies, you’ll still be in the same position months or years from now since most of those payments go to interest and do little to cut down on the total debt.   However, if you spend that same amount on a bankruptcy filing (assuming you qualify) you’ll be debt-free in a couple of months!

Get The Help You Need

We represent people all across Connecticut who are drowning in debt and need to understand their bankruptcy options. Bankruptcy may or may not be right for you – but call us today for more information and find out from someone who knows. Don’t get bankruptcy advice from your well-meaning neighbors, friends and/or hairdresser.  Talk to a lawyer – Contact us for a free consultation.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

You may use these <abbr title="HyperText Markup Language">html</abbr> tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

*

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.