Losing a job is one of the most devastating things that can happen to anyone. Some people are able to find a job within a few months and avoid financial ruin. But what if you remain unemployed for six months or more? Worse still, what if you were already in a financial predicament before you were laid off? In such a case, you may consider filing for bankruptcy to get some relief from your creditors.
Bankruptcy procedures are primarily regulated by the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. However, most states have their laws to supplement the federal code and outline the specific guidelines to follow while filing for bankruptcy. That said, there are two main forms of bankruptcy you can file for:
The type of bankruptcy you will be able to file for when unemployed will depend on your financial situation and how much you are willing to lose. If you have little to no income, it may be much easier to file Chapter 7. However, you stand to lose some of your assets and also take a substantive hit on your credit score.
Chapter 13 has stricter requirements as it requires you to have a regular source of income to honor your repayment plan. However, it allows you to keep most of your assets, and the effect on your credit scores will be relatively minor.
Bankruptcy laws are quite complex, and it may be frustrating to navigate through the complexities while dealing with a personal financial crisis. Fortunately, our attorneys at O’Brien Law Firm in Southaven, MS, are here to help. Talk to us today!
