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What is the Difference Between Secured and Unsecured Debt?

Sawin & Shea

What is Secured Debt? Secured debts are a type of debt backed by an asset that is used as collateral. If you miss payments and default on this type of debt, the creditor can seize the asset to liquidate it and apply those proceeds to the money you owe. Examples of Secured Debts.

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Will Bankruptcy Erase ALL of My Debt?

Sawin & Shea

There are exemptions depending on the property and how essential it is, but anything considered nonexempt will likely be sold to help pay off your creditors. Instead of discharging most of your debt and using your personal property to pay off creditors, a reorganization plan is filed to dela with the debt. Student Loans.

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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. Reports have suggested that anywhere from 40% to 62% of bankruptcies are due to medical debts.

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Questions to Ask a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lawyer Before Filing for Bankruptcy

Sawin & Shea

When you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the Court will place an automatic stay upon filing, which stops creditors from collecting payments, garnishing wages, or repossessing property. They will then determine what, if any, non-exempt property they can seize and will use the proceeds from that property to repay a percentage to your creditors.

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Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Hardship Discharge: Am I Eligible?

Sawin & Shea

Instead of fighting with your creditors, you work with them proactively in the bankruptcy process to resolve your debts. You have already paid your creditors at least as much as they would have received in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy , also known as a liquidation bankruptcy.

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Discharge in Bankruptcy – Bankruptcy Basics

Sawin & Shea

This will immediately stop your creditors from being able to contact you to demand payment. You and your bankruptcy attorney will next attend either a creditor meeting or a 341 hearing with your court-appointed bankruptcy trustee. Under Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, you have time and a plan in which to repay your debts. Court fines.

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Can I File Bankruptcy on Just My Credit Cards?

Sawin & Shea

Briefly, unsecured debts are not backed by any collateral and include things like credit card balances and unpaid medical bills. Creditors cannot reclaim any of your property if you default on a loan. However, secured debt means the borrower has put up collateral (e.g. What other debts do I owe?