Is Bankruptcy Right for Me?

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Filing for Bankruptcy

In the wake of our country's economic downturn, millions have found themselves faced with the question, "Is bankruptcy right for me?" While this process is one of the most practical ways to find relief from overwhelming debt, it is important to understand that the answer to this question is not always so black and white.

One of the most obvious benefits of a successful bankruptcy is the court-ordered discharge of debt, as this would free you of the legal obligation to repay your creditors.

In some cases, this may be reason enough to file a petition with the court. In others, however, the negative ramifications may outweigh the numerous advantages. For this reason, the legal team at Hensel Law Office, PLLC encourages you to weigh your options under the advisement of a Michigan bankruptcy lawyer before you make a final decision.

What are some of the potential advantages of filing for bankruptcy?

If you have considered filing for bankruptcy in Michigan, it is important to understand how it could benefit you both short-term and long-term. In most cases, this process will serve as a practical means of freeing yourself from unmanageable debt. While this is an enormous advantage in it of itself, there are numerous other benefits to be gained, as well.

Since the court will order an automatic stay as soon as you have filed your bankruptcy petition, you can expect to find relief from creditor harassment and all further collection efforts as soon as you have initiated the process. This means that you would be able to work toward a more viable financial future without the added stress of impending foreclosure, repossession or wage garnishment.

What are the Downsides of Filing for Bankruptcy?

As you may know, there are both pros and cons to filing for bankruptcy. While the advantages often outweigh the consequences, it is still important to understand how the negative implications of filing for bankruptcy could affect your life.

For example, one of the biggest deterrents is the fact that the bankruptcy would stay on your credit report for seven to ten years after filing. This may subsequently cause your credit score to take a significant dip.

Even so, you must realize that the damage does not have to be permanent. By taking proactive measures to restore your credit score immediately after the bankruptcy process has been concluded, you can expect it to rebound within a matter of a few years. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you discuss this aspect of bankruptcy with our firm before disregarding the option of filing completely.

Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Should I File Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Another factor that you will need to take into consideration when making this decision is whether you would file under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. While both were designed to provide consumers with a way of finding relief from unmanageable debt, it is important to understand that these processes are actually quite different. Chapter 7 is an expedited process that would allow you to liquidate non-exempt assets and use the proceeds to repay creditors.

All in all, you could expect the process to last a few short months. When filing for Chapter 13, however, you would be required to reorganize your debts and develop a repayment plan that would be executed over three to five years. This form of bankruptcy is meant to provide more gradual relief, as not everyone would be eligible to file under Chapter 7.

Call Our Firm Today for a Free Consultation

If you are struggling with the decision of whether or not to file for bankruptcy, we encourage you to place your trust in the hands of a Michigan bankruptcy attorney today. When you turn to the Hensel Law Office, PLLC for guidance, you can expect straight-forward answers to any of the difficult questions that you may have.

Additionally, it won't cost you a thing to seek out our advice. From there, our knowledgeable legal team will have the opportunity to review your case and provide you with the honest and caring advice that you deserve.