Bankruptcy, What Does It Do?

People weighted down by consumer debt, including credit card debt, can anticipate to have this debt wiped out since most credit card debt is unsecured. Debtors filing under chapter 7 are required to make their non-exempt assets accessible for secured creditors to liquidate. The debtor has to give payment or transfer over the collateral. Unsecured creditors will not receive complete payment or, indeed, any payment. The bankruptcy court appoints a trustee who organizes a meeting with creditors and handles the disposal of assets to creditors based on their status. At the completion of the process the debtor often receives a discharge; which means the debtor is relieved from the burdensome debt and in a position to start life afresh without anymore harassment from creditors.

While chapter 7 is an approach predicated on liquidating debt, there is also a provision for reaffirmation of a specific debt assuming the debtor can verify sufficient income. In this instance the debtor makes arrangements with a creditor to hold on to certain property. Chapter 7 does not mean the loss of all assets, so home assets and exempt property can normally be retained.

Other approaches to bankruptcy focus on reorganization instead of liquidation. These procedures necessitate the creation by way of a repayment plan so the debtor can retain property or a business following reorganization, and sometimes consolidation, of debt. Chapter 13 is a reorganization approach that is ideal for individuals that have a regular income sufficient enough to hold on to their property and manage their mortgages given assistance and guidance.

Again the debtor receives relief on filing as a result of the hold on creditor activity, and co-debtors will also be secured from creditors. A repayment plan is produced during debt counseling, although unsecured creditors may receive little or no repayments dependent upon the debtor's circumstances. After three to five years, the debtor is likely to obtain a discharge of debts.

Chapter 12 offers family farmers and fishermen a similar method of managing debt but one which encompasses greater debt burdens which include those connected with operating these businesses.

Businesses have an option to file for chapter 11 with the possibility to stay in control and operate the business, ultimately, eliminating the debt burden. This option is the best option for larger businesses as it is a complex, lengthy and potentially expensive business. Although it gives the business the tools they need to succeed. It has flexibility in that repayment plans can be modified as the business environment changes.

Whether an individual or a business, discharge generally means that the debtor is free from debts in existence prior to filing the petition.

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