If you’re one of the many Oregon residents having trouble keeping up with bills, you may be considering filing for bankruptcy. While personal bankruptcy can be invaluable in helping you get back on your feet, it is also a serious decision that should not be entered into lightly. At The Law Office of Kim Covington, we understand that you may be feeling confused and hopeless at this point.
If medical bills, credit card payments and other bills are overwhelming you, Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy may be able to help. Before you file, however, you’ll want your attorney to answer several of the most common questions related to bankruptcy. These might include:
- How long a bankruptcy stays on your record—Generally, personal bankruptcy stays on your credit report for up to 10 years, although you will usually be able to obtain certain loans soon after bankruptcy to begin rebuilding your credit.
- What can’t be discharged in a bankruptcy—Certain taxes, federal student loans, child support or alimony, criminal restitution payments, debts resulting from fraud and some other types of debt cannot be discharged through bankruptcy.
- Whether you can keep your house or your car—Depending on certain factors, including the equity in your home or vehicle, if you are current in your payments and the type of bankruptcy you are filing, you may be able to keep your house as well as your cars.
- How to tell if bankruptcy is right for you—If you are swimming in debt and unable to stay current on your bill payments, bankruptcy can be a viable option.
These are just a few of the questions people most commonly ask when considering bankruptcy. For more information, please visit our bankruptcy FAQ page.
