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Secured vs Unsecured Debt: Everything You Need to Know

Sawin & Shea

Declaring bankruptcy will discharge most types of debt but not others. Before you declare bankruptcy, it’s crucial to understand how the law treats the concept of secured vs unsecured debt. It distinguishes between what are called ‘secured’ and ‘unsecureddebts, which are terms you need to know before filing for bankruptcy.

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What is the Difference Between Secured and Unsecured Debt?

Sawin & Shea

However, which type of bankruptcy you file will also depend on what kind of debt you have. Secured and unsecured debt is handled differently in Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13. What is Secured Debt? Secured debts are a type of debt backed by an asset that is used as collateral. What is Unsecured Debt?

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How Much Debt is Needed to File for Bankruptcy?

Sawin & Shea

Firstly, you need to understand the difference between unsecured and secured debts. Unsecured debts refer to debts that don’t have collateral. Secured debts refer to debts with collateral, like house payments and car payments. Will Bankruptcy Eliminate All of My Debts?

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What Happens to My Personal Loan After Bankruptcy?

Sawin & Shea

In order to plan out your financial future, you need to understand the difference between secured and unsecured loans. Unsecured loans are loans that don’t have collateral. If you fail to repay an unsecured personal loan, the lender cannot repossess your assets. Credit card debts. Payday loans. Signature loans.

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How Long Will Chapter 13 Delay Foreclosure?

Sawin & Shea

When you’re going through the process of filing Chapter 13, foreclosure cannot occur because you’re granted an automatic stay, meaning that lenders cannot pursue your debts and recover collateral, including your home. If you’re eligible to file under Chapter 7 and only have unsecured debts, this may be your best course of action.

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Who Can Declare Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

Sawin & Shea

Chapter 7 is the most common form of bankruptcy for individuals and families, and it allows you to discharge many of your unsecured debts within only a few months. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a form of personal bankruptcy that liquidates filers’ assets to discharge qualifying unsecured debts. What is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

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Can I File Bankruptcy on Just My Credit Cards?

Sawin & Shea

You aren’t allowed to pick and choose which debt you want the bankruptcy to apply to. Briefly, unsecured debts are not backed by any collateral and include things like credit card balances and unpaid medical bills. However, secured debt means the borrower has put up collateral (e.g.