I am high anxiety. That is the way my brain is wired. I can’t help it and neither can anyone else with anxiety for that matter. Most of our MN Bankruptcy Attorneys guests who face overwhelming debt are stressed beyond belief and struggle to pay debt for a really long time. And then, one day, you sit and you think- what am I doing?

Thinking about whether or not to file Chapter 7 Bankruptcy often takes our guests some time to think about. They, of course, want to deliberate and let it sink in and make sure it makes the most sense for themselves and their family.

1. What is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is also known as the “fresh start” bankruptcy. Chapter 7 Bankruptcy provides debtors (an individual who files bankruptcy) with the opportunity to escape liability on certain types of secured and unsecured debts. Upon successfully receiving a discharge, debtors are no longer liable for money owed on most debts.

If there is one aspect that scares most people about a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy it is the prospect of losing assets when you file bankruptcy. Is it obvious that no one wants to lose assets? Yes, that should be obvious. When you are down and out and can’t pay your bills and you have lost so much already, the last thing you want is to lose even more.

We get this question all the time. Wes, What Is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy? How does it work? Do I lose assets? Can I get rid of all debt? What about taxes? What about student loans? These are all great questions. The saying is knowledge is power. That is what we believe at Kain & Scott as well. The more you know, the more empowered you feel about your own circumstances. When we explain to people that what they think happens is not really what happens you can see our guests lay further back in the chairs and relax.

So, you are sitting at home wondering about your debt right? You are wondering how it is that end the end of each paycheck you have no money left. By the time you make minimum payments on your credit cards and other expenses that’s it- money all gone. This is especially true if you have fallen into the pay day loan trap. I have been there myself when I was in college. You sell your soul to get a few bucks today but what you pay back is far more than you borrowed- it makes you physically sick just thinking about it.

Today, most of the Bankruptcies filed in Minnesota are either a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Determining which chapter is right for you will depend on your specific financial status including your debts, assets and income. A lot of people have the option to choose between the two but if you have higher than median income for a household your size, you might only be allowed to file a Chapter 13. No matter the case both are excellent options for resolving unsecured debt. However, they are unique in their own way and offer a variety of different advantages. If you have the option to choose between the two it will be important to know the differences so that you can make the most attractive decision for you and your family.

Declaring Chapter 7 Bankruptcy can be intimidating and stressful especially if you don’t know exactly how the Bankruptcy Process works. Unfortunately, the pressures of society can make you feel like a failure often leaving you down in the dumps. As such, you worry about what your life is going to be like after you file, what’s going to happen to your credit score, your house, the car you drive and most importantly the future of you and your family. However, remember bankruptcy can happen to anyone and you’re not alone! There are plenty of advantages of hiring a Bankruptcy Attorney to help you get your life back!