If I file bankruptcy, will I lose the things I own?

The short answers are "probably not" and "it depends". Let's expand on those short answers.

Should I take a loan from my 401(k) to pay my credit cards?

"NO", and let me count the reasons!

Bankruptcy May Be Your First and Best Option

The credit industry would have you believe that filing bankruptcy is so bad that you should do it only as a last resort, making bankruptcy your last option. The credit industry spends a lot of money to get you to believe that. But for many people, nothing could be further from the truth. Why do I say that?

Can I keep my house and car if I file bankruptcy?

I'm often asked if people can keep their house and car if they file bankruptcy. The short answer is usually "Yes", if they keep making the payments.

How Often Can I File Bankruptcy?

I'm often asked if someone can file bankruptcy if they've done that before, or how often they can file bankruptcy. You can actually file bankruptcy at any time, but you won't get rid of ("discharge") your debts unless you meet the timing rules for multiple bankruptcy filings. So let's take a look at those.

Will bankruptcy stop a foreclosure?

"My house is about to be foreclosed. Will bankruptcy stop that?" I'm often asked that question. The answer is probably "yes", but let's look at a "no" answer first.

Bankruptcy Might Save Your Life

A study found that the bankruptcy code is an incredibly effective social insurance policy.

Can I get rid of payday loans by filing bankruptcy?

I'm often asked if someone can get rid of payday loans by filing bankruptcy. Let's take a look at this.

What are Bankruptcy Exemptions and why are they important?

During my first consultation with people who are interested in filing bankruptcy, I always explain this very important subject of "exemptions". Let's see what exemptions are and why they're important.

File bankruptcy without a lawyer? Only at your peril!

Some people file bankruptcy without an experienced bankruptcy lawyer. What are they risking?

Why NOT to reaffirm a mortgage in bankruptcy!

More than one past client has called me to complain that their mortgage holder wasn't reporting their house mortgage payments to credit reporting agencies, and would not unless they reaffirmed their mortgage loan. What's that about?

What's the kind of bankruptcy where you don't have to pay for your house and your car?

Someone asked that recently, saying that's the kind they wanted. Sorry, but there isn't a bankruptcy like that. If you don't make the payments on your house or car, bankruptcy or not, you'll lose that house or car.

Bankruptcy May Improve Your Credit Score!

Bankruptcy improve your credit score? Are you kidding me? Not at all. Let's take a look at some reasons that filing bankruptcy might improve your credit score.

Feeling shame for needing to file bankruptcy? Listen to Leonard Cohen.

Are you feeling shame for needing to file bankruptcy?

Getting collection calls about old debts? Be very careful.

If you get collection calls about old debts, be very careful. Why?

3 Things To Understand About Filing Bankruptcy

OK, you want to file bankruptcy. Here are three basic things you should understand about the process.

About to have your car repoed? Consider bankruptcy!

Are you behind on your car payments and afraid your car will be repoed? Consider bankruptcy!

Divorce, property settlements, and bankruptcy (#3)

Planning to get a divorce? Consider what might happen if your ex-spouse files bankruptcy. If you don't, you might be in for a big (and bad) surprise.

Will I lose my retirement accounts if I file bankruptcy?

I'm often asked if someone will lose their retirement accounts if they file bankruptcy. The short answer is almost certainly not.

When can I buy a home after bankruptcy?

I'm often asked "When can I buy a home after bankruptcy?" Let's take a look at that.

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