What Is the Downside of Filing for Bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy is a legal proceeding that offers relief to individuals and businesses experiencing mass amounts of debt. This process is accessible for those who are struggling financially and are unable to pay their outstanding debts. Bankruptcy is a way for those facing hardships to obtain a fresh start with their finances. 

Typically the process of filing for bankruptcy involves credit counseling from a certified agency, then working with an attorney to file the appropriate paperwork. After your petition has been filed, a special trustee appointed by the bankruptcy court will start managing your case.

Federal courts take care of all bankruptcy cases, as the rules state in the U.S. bankruptcy code. Before the federal courts determine your eligibility, you’ll be required to answer questions from the trustee and creditors about your bankruptcy forms and finances.

Filing for bankruptcy gives people the opportunity to eliminate debt and start over; however, many people take on bankruptcy without understanding the downsides of the process. While it’s not a fit for every situation or circumstance, weighing the pros and cons, along with being fully aware of the process, is key to making an informed decision.

Bankruptcy is often seen as the only option left for people who are in a lot of debt and aren’t able to pay their bills. Before filing for bankruptcy, there are alternatives that are worth exploring. Some are less costly than bankruptcy and likely to do less damage to your credit score. First, find out if your creditors are willing to negotiate, as some creditors will agree to accept reduced payments or lower your interest rate over a long period of time.

Before you file, you’ll be required to attend counseling with a credit counseling organization approved by the Department of Justice’s U.S. Trustee Program. The counselor will look at your personal financial situation, discuss the alternatives to bankruptcy, and help you figure out a plan. It will usually start with you, or you and your spouse, filing a petition for bankruptcy in bankruptcy court. You can do this with our without assistance from a lawyer.

A bankruptcy judge will look over your case and rule either in favor of or against getting your debts discharged. How the court proceedings and ruling look can sometimes vary based on the type of bankruptcy you’re filing for. If they do rule in your favor, you’ll probably still have to complete a special debt-related class or counseling before they’ll take action. 

There are several different types of bankruptcies that individuals and businesses can file for when facing financial hardship. There are specific rules and limitations for each; therefore, it’s good to know your options to find the best fit for your financial circumstance if bankruptcy is the chosen route.

Chapter 7: Liquidation

Chapter 7 bankruptcy, also known as liquidation, lets individuals and businesses give up their assets and walk away from most debts. This type of bankruptcy is most common for individuals. A court-appointed trustee supervises your assets being taken to pay off creditors, while the remaining unsecured debts are typically erased. This excludes some types of debts such as student loans and taxes. You’re eligible for Chapter 7 bankruptcy if the court decides you don’t meet a certain income level or don’t have enough money to pay back your unresolved debts. 

Chapter 13: Repayment plan

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is essentially a repayment plan where your debts are reorganized. A plan is created that allows individuals and businesses to work toward repaying their debts without selling any assets. This is done as the filer works to lower interest rates on existing debts, reduce the principal amounts, extend the repayment periods or terms for certain debts, or explore refinancing options. 

The bankruptcy court will approve a monthly payment plan for you to pay back a portion of your unsecured and secured debt over 3 to 5 years. The monthly payment amounts will depend on your income and the amount of debt you have. 

Although Chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcies are generally more common, there are a few other types of bankruptcies available for specific entities, such as larger organizations and family farmers.

Chapter 9: Municipalities

Chapter 9 bankruptcy is another repayment plan that allows municipalities (towns, cities, schools) to reorganize and pay back their debts, but specifics can vary by state.

Chapter 11: Large reorganization

Chapter 11 bankruptcy is mostly used to reorganize the debt(s) of businesses or corporations. With this chapter, businesses come up with a plan for how they’ll continue to operate the company while paying off their debt. Both the court and the creditors must approve this plan, as it allows the filer to draft an arrangement to repay some debt while retaining assets.

Chapter 12: Family farmers

Chapter 12 bankruptcy is a repayment plan for family farmers and fishermen that can be an opportunity to reorganize their debt without selling their assets or properties. While it’s similar to Chapter 13 bankruptcy, Chapter 12 is more flexible and has higher debt limits. Repayment usually stretches out over 3 years, but a court can also decide to extend the repayment period up to 5 years.

There are advantages and disadvantages to consider before you file for bankruptcy, and it’s important to know what those are before making a final decision. Keep in mind that the type of bankruptcy you file will affect these principles as well. 

Pros

1. You can achieve a clean slate financially: If you find yourself in a hole with your finances and feel like you can’t pay off any of your debts, bankruptcy may be an opportunity for a fresh start. Bankruptcy can essentially let you start from scratch to rebuild your financial reputation and reestablish your credit.
2. You’re granted an automatic stay: The instant you file, you’re protected under a provision in bankruptcy law called the automatic stay. Creditors take action until your repayment plan has been finalized. You avoid dealing with creditors and debt collectors blowing up your phone as you work to better your finances!
3. Potentially consolidate or discharge debts: Bankruptcy could help by consolidating your debts into more manageable payments or by writing them off completely. The filing you select will determine this, and either option may help relieve some financial-related pressure.

Cons

1. Your credit score will drop: If keeping up with monthly payments has been a struggle for you, then it’s likely that your credit score has taken a hit, and a bankruptcy filing may cause additional harm to that number. Filing for bankruptcy will inevitably create a negative remark on your credit report. For example, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy stays on your report for 10 years from the date of filing, while a Chapter 13 sticks around on your file for 7 years. This will make it harder to apply for credit, which means you may have to hold off on major purchases for a while. Buying a house, returning to school, or even applying for a credit card will all become more difficult after you file. Keep in mind that while these impacts don’t last forever, they’re long-term.
2. Your assets can be taken: With some types of bankruptcy, you could lose your income and the equity in your assets, especially luxury items. Think vacation homes, a second car, jewelry, and household furnishings.
3. Not all debts will be discharged: If you think bankruptcy will automatically take care of all of your debt, it won’t. It can often address personal loans, credit card bills, and other unsecured debts, but will leave student loan debt, taxes, and more.
4. Bankruptcy can be costly: Even though bankruptcy helps offer debt relief, there are still many costly repercussions to consider. For example, you can pay hundreds or thousands of dollars to address the cost to file, the cost of an attorney, administrative fees, filing fees, trustee fees, and other expenses that can vary based on state. And if you file for Chapter 13 with a repayment plan, you will have payments for years after you filed.
5. Your co-signers are not protected: We can’t forget about the people who helped us financially by co-signing for our loans or other lines of credit. Co-signers and guarantors aren’t protected from collection on debts that you discharge through bankruptcy. You can be alleviated of these debts, but a family member or friend may get harassed over the remaining balance unless you pay it off. This isn’t guaranteed to happen, but it’s definitely something to keep in mind. Just make sure to have a conversation with anyone who co-signed a loan with you before you file, so you can handle the situation together.
6. Borrowing in the future can be challenging: Having a bankruptcy remark on your credit report can present a challenge when trying to borrow money for as long as a decade. Lenders can view bankruptcy marks as a sign of irresponsibility with finances and might be hesitant to work with you. Be aware that bankruptcy can cause obstacles when working to buy a home, a car, or even applying for a credit card down the line

You’re not alone as you consider filing for bankruptcy and weigh the options. Although it’s a huge decision that will impact your financial health, there are people along the way that can help guide you through the process. But, before making an impulsive decision, it’s worth consulting with a professional credit counselor to guarantee you’re well-informed and aware of the drawbacks that come with each type of bankruptcy. 

Speaking with a lawyer before making your mind up may also be a wise investment and a good place to start. Take a step back and look at your financial situation to ensure you have the support that you need while working to improve your finances and lifestyle!