If you find yourself buried in debt and can’t envision a solution, there’s no need to feel ashamed. Countless individuals have encountered similar circumstances.

In fact, it may not be your fault at all.

You might have experienced a major illness, injury, or car accident that resulted in significant expenses. Alternatively, you could have lost your job due to the pandemic and have been working hard to recover ever since.

What’s important is that you’re taking steps to pay off the debt and reduce the stress it causes in your life.

If you’re thinking about filing for bankruptcy…

Bankruptcy may present a viable solution for individuals grappling with overwhelming debt. Among the various types, Chapter 7 stands out as the most common. Referred to as a liquidation bankruptcy, it earns its name due to two primary factors.

 

Initially, its purpose is to liquidate all your assets to settle your creditors’ claims. Additionally, it usually involves the liquidation of a significant portion, if not all, of your unsecured debts.

Secured versus Unsecured Debt: Explaining the Difference

Secured debts necessitate offering collateral as a guarantee in the event of loan default. For instance, this collateral could include your home for a mortgage or your car for an auto loan.

On the other hand, unsecured loans do not mandate collateral. Common examples of such loans include credit cards, personal lines of credit, medical bills, and personal loans. Bankruptcy typically discharges these kinds of debts.

Nevertheless, it cannot eliminate secured debts, nor does it have the authority to erase certain other forms of unsecured debts like student loan debt, child support, alimony, and overdue taxes.

Which assets are exempt from liquidation?

While Chapter 7 bankruptcy is supposed to sell your stuff to pay debts, this often doesn’t really happen. The law stops many important things you own from being taken away.

 

Although bankruptcy laws differ by state, individuals filing for Chapter 7 usually retain ownership of their home and vehicles, along with personal belongings, furniture, and tools necessary for their employment.

 

If you’re thinking about filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the laws in your state. This will help you understand which assets you can keep and which ones you might have to give up.

Your 401(k) is secure.

Your 401(k) is safe during Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Some might find it unfair because you can erase your debts but keep your retirement savings. But it’s good for you that your 401(k) is protected. This way, bankruptcy won’t ruin your retirement plans.

 

Yet, it’s essential to leave your funds in the 401(k) to maintain their protection. They are safeguarded as long as they remain within the account. However, withdrawing money from your retirement account would remove this protection, making it vulnerable to seizure as an unprotected asset.

 

Because the specific bankruptcy exemptions and exclusions depend on your state, it’s advisable to seek assistance from a bankruptcy lawyer to confirm how your 401(k) will be managed. Although it’s usually protected, there are instances where your retirement savings might remain vulnerable.

 

A self-managed bankruptcy

You might consider handling your own bankruptcy, particularly if you don’t have homeownership. Numerous companies offer online bankruptcy software designed to simplify the process for individuals who opt for self-filing.

 

Yet, it will probably require a significant amount of time to gather and submit the necessary documents. You’ll need to get forms notarized, communicate with your creditors, and submit all your paperwork to the bankruptcy court. Additionally, you might need to attend a court hearing for your case to be reviewed.

 

It’s worth mentioning that self-filed bankruptcies typically have a lower rate of success when compared to cases handled with legal assistance.

 

Engaging the services of a lawyer

Filing for bankruptcy by yourself can be complex and take a long time. That’s why many people decide to hire a lawyer to help with their bankruptcy cases.

 

The price of hiring a lawyer varies and depends on the type of bankruptcy you’re filing and the attorney’s fees. Although it can be expensive, having a lawyer can increase your chances of success.

 

In Summary 

Filing for bankruptcy involves various complexities. While your 401(k) is generally protected as long as you don’t withdraw from it, there are still situations where the funds might be vulnerable, such as owing federal income taxes, unpaid child support or alimony, or to fulfill federal criminal fines and penalties.

 

That’s why it’s important for you to understand exactly what Chapter 7 involves before you decide to go ahead with this type of debt relief.