With smart timing you can discharge--legally and permanently write off--more income tax debts, even with a standard Chapter 7 case.
Following up on last week's scenario, here are the financial, credit record, and other disadvantages of a forced 5-year Chapter 13 plan.
Do you need a Chapter 13 case? WHEN you file it can mean the difference between a payment plan that takes 3 years and one that takes 5.
Here's a scenario showing how the timing of your Chapter 13 filing can shorten your payment plan from 5 years to only 3.
A "preference" makes more sense when you see an example. Here's one. This also helps explain how to avoid creating one.
Do you feel like you should pay on or pay off a certain debt now, even though you're behind on all your debts? It may be dangerous to do so.
Filing bankruptcy before the end of December may help you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Here's an example showing how this could work.
The timing of your bankruptcy filing can determine whether you qualify for quick Chapter 7 vs. paying into a Chapter 13 plan for 3-5 years.
If you file a Chapter 7 case and write off your other debts, will you want to keep your vehicle lease? You can if you're current on it now.
Chapter 7 gets you out of a vehicle lease owing nothing. Chapter 13 is more complicated but can give you pretty much the same good result.
The automatic stay immediately stops most collection actions when you file bankruptcy. But it doesn't stop a "criminal action or proceeding."
To be able to keep your property that's collateral or security on a secured debt, you must give that secured creditor "adequate protection."
A creditor might file a motion to avoid violating the stay, or to get permission to take some action other than collect a debt.
Here's why you usually don't pay more in a Chapter 13 case to get rid of taxes that you could simply write off in a Chapter 7 case.
Bankruptcy will stop foreclosure fast. But there are excellent reasons to get your ducks in a row early.