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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. Chapter 13 involves commitment from the declarer to repay a portion of their debt over a specified period (usually three to five years).

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Credit Card Debt and Bankruptcy

Sawin & Shea

Bankruptcy is often a wise choice for those overwhelmed by credit card debt and looking to get back on track and rebuild their finances. With credit card debt specifically, debtors often wonder how the process works and how it will affect their ability to still use current cards or open new ones in the future.

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Credit Card Debt and Bankruptcy

Sawin & Shea

Bankruptcy is often a wise choice for those overwhelmed by credit card debt and looking to get back on track and rebuild their finances. With credit card debt specifically, debtors often wonder how the process works and how it will affect their ability to still use current cards or open new ones in the future.

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How are Medical Bills Treated in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Sawin & Shea

Filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Chapter 7 will wipe out (discharge) your medical debt along with other unsecured debt, but you must have low enough income to pass the means test in order to qualify for it. These are categorized as priority unsecured debts. #7.

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Consumer Debt vs. Non Consumer Debt

Sawin & Shea

What is Consumer Debt? Consumer debt refers to an individual, family, or household’s debts incurred through personal spending and expenses. With consumer debts, co-debtors receive the protection of an automatic stay. If the amount is over 25% of the unsecured debt, the person qualifies for Chapter 13.

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Can You Use a Bankruptcy to Stop a Foreclosure?

Sawin & Shea

In most cases, Chapter 7 bankruptcy allows the debtor to postpone a foreclosure sale, but does not stop the process permanently. In other words, a Chapter 13 Plan can reorganize debts in ways that can help struggling homeowners get back on track with their mortgage payments, curing arrearages and making ongoing monthly payments.

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Should I Max Out My Credit Cards Before Filing for Bankruptcy?

Sawin & Shea

Debtors who run their credit card balances up before they file for bankruptcy could suffer consequences. Primarily, it could result in your debt becoming ineligible for discharge, which is often the whole point of filing for bankruptcy. So in many cases, running your credit card debt up is not worth it.