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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 matters because not all debts are equal in the eyes of the law. Secured vs Unsecured Debt: What’s the Difference?

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What Happens to My Personal Loan After Bankruptcy?

Sawin & Shea

When filing for bankruptcy, you can discharge certain types of personal loans, meaning that you’re no longer legally responsible for paying off the debt. If you’re considering filing for bankruptcy, you need to know what personal loans you can discharge and which filing method best suits your financial situation.

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What is the Difference Between Secured and Unsecured Debt?

Sawin & Shea

While bankruptcy itself can also be scary, it is often the best option if you have too much debt to get a handle on your financial situation. 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.

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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.

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Bankruptcy and Divorce: Should I File Before or After?

Sawin & Shea

Declaring Bankruptcy Before a Divorce If you’re on good terms with your spouse and are struggling with unsecured debts, you may want to consider filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy before your divorce. This can also simplify the divorce process because you won’t have to divide your unsecured debts when going through dissolution proceedings.

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Cosigner Responsibilities: When Is a Cosigner Liable for a Debt?

Sawin & Shea

If you have a co-signer associated with your debt or if you are a co-signer, you need to be aware of how financial liability works and what happens when the primary debtor declares bankruptcy. Fortunately, in this blog, we’ll unpack cosigner responsibilities when it comes to bankruptcy and debt.

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

Sawin & Shea

Chapter 7 bankruptcy, also known as liquidation or straight bankruptcy, can help those having financial difficulties clear away various types of debts. 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.