article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

Carrying Debt Negatively Impacts Health of Older Americans: Report

Account Recovery

Researchers have identified a connection between the amount of unsecured debt being carried by older Americans and an increased variety of health problems, including being more likely to be diagnosed with cancer or heart disease and even an impaired ability to handle regular activities like bathing a dressing, according to a published report.

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

Filing for bankruptcy after graduation

Roths Child Law

Although discharging your student loans through bankruptcy is typically not an option, you may still be able to discharge credit card debt, medical expenses, late utility bills and other unsecured debts. Chapter 7 bankruptcy may wipe away most of your unsecured debts in a matter of months.

article thumbnail

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?

article thumbnail

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. Some examples of unsecured debts include, but are not limited to, repossessions deficiencies, old lease balances, medical bills, cash advance loans, and credit card debts.

article thumbnail

What is the Bankruptcy Means Test?

Sawin & Shea

Chapter 7 bankruptcy (the most common form of bankruptcy ) essentially wipes away a large portion of your unsecured debts and protects certain assets you may possess. Briefly, unsecured debts are not backed by any collateral. Credit card and medical debt are examples of unsecured debt.

article thumbnail

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.