Which Type of Bankruptcy Is Right for Me?

 Posted on August 19, 2019 in Chapter 13

In the United States, there are many different types of bankruptcies, some being for businesses, government sectors or individuals. If you are an individual filing for bankruptcy, the two most common types of bankruptcies that are filed are either Chapter 7, which is a liquidation bankruptcy, or Chapter 13, which is a reorganization bankruptcy. Each type of bankruptcy has its advantages and disadvantages, along with different sets of criteria to qualify for each type of bankruptcy. If you are unable to pay your bills each month or you are struggling to make ends meet, bankruptcy may be in your best interest. Choosing the right type of bankruptcy for your situation can be the key to your financial success.

Chapter 7 Basics

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy is also known as liquidation bankruptcy. This is because all of your “unnecessary” assets will be liquidated to help pay off some of your debts before your debts are forgiven. Most unsecured debts, such as credit card debt, will be discharged in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, meaning you will no longer be responsible for paying them. It takes roughly three to four months to complete a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which is a relatively short time frame.

To qualify for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you must pass a means test, which is a test that is used to determine whether or not you are actually able to repay your debts. If you pass the means test or your income is less than the median income level for Texas, you will most likely qualify for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If you earn too much, you may be denied.

Chapter 13 Basics

A Chapter 13 bankruptcy is known as reorganization bankruptcy because your debts will be reconfigured into affordable monthly payments. This type of bankruptcy allows you to repay some or all of your debts over the course of three or five years, depending on your income. At the end of the repayment period, the rest of your unsecured debts will be discharged. Chapter 13 bankruptcies allow the person filing to keep all of their property, even property that is deemed to be a “luxury” item in Chapter 7 bankruptcies.

Those who earn too much income to qualify for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy may qualify for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Most people who have regular monthly income can qualify for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy because there are no income requirements. However, a person must have less than $419,275 in unsecured debt and less than $1,257,850 in secured debt.

Unsure of Which Type of Bankruptcy You Should Go With? Contact a New Braunfels, TX Bankruptcy Lawyer

Filing for any type of bankruptcy has consequences that you must deal with after everything is said and done. Though these consequences sometimes differ depending on the type of bankruptcy you choose, they can still affect your life. If you are wondering which type of bankruptcy would be best for your financial situation, or if you should file for bankruptcy at all, a skilled San Antonio, TX bankruptcy attorney can be an invaluable asset. Contact the Law Offices of Chance M. McGhee today to see how we can help you find solutions for your debt. Call our office at 210-342-3400 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://upsolve.org/learn/every-type-of-bankruptcy-explained/

https://www.credit.com/debt/filing-for-bankruptcy-difference-between-chapters-7-11-13/