Making the decision to file bankruptcy is something you must do with care. It will have an impact on your future, so you want to be sure it is exactly what you need to do.
With that in mind, it is a good idea to learn as much as possible about the process before making a final decision. The United States Bankruptcy Court District of Oregon explains you want to consider every aspect of bankruptcy so that there are no surprises if you decide to file.
Paperwork
It is very important to ensure your bankruptcy petition is complete and accurate. The court will not consider debts you do not include in your petition. In addition, if you leave out information, it could lead to issues in the process. You must be completely honest about everything or you could face legal issues.
Allowable debts
Not every debt is something you can get rid of through bankruptcy. You should make sure that it makes sense in your financial situation to file. If you have many non-dischargeable debts, it may not be the right step to take.
Costs
You will have to pay to file your case. Fees can vary and may change. You also have the extra costs, such as attorney fees.
Transfer of property
If you sell or transfer property prior to filing bankruptcy, the court may scrutinize it. There is a potential the court will look upon it unfavorably, and the court may seize the property to help pay your debts.
Timelines
The bankruptcy process has several deadlines you must adhere to. This is a legal process, so if you fail to meet a deadline, the court could throw out your entire case. If the court dismisses your case, you may be unable to file again for a certain amount of time.
There are many small details to filing bankruptcy, and this information only touches on them. It is important to understand the process and the rules about filing before you take the first step to file.
