Let bankruptcy be the start of your brighter and more secure future

Bankruptcy can be a challenging and transformative experience, offering a fresh start to those burdened by overwhelming debt. It’s a legal process providing individuals and businesses the opportunity to restructure their finances or discharge certain debts, and what happens after bankruptcy is just as crucial as the decision to file. Navigating the post-bankruptcy landscape requires careful planning, financial responsibility, and sometimes professional guidance.

With Farmer & Wright, PLLC, our knowledgeable attorneys focus on post-bankruptcy planning, credit rebuilding, and long-term financial strategies. We will work with you to develop a personalized plan tailored to your unique situation, helping you regain control of your financial future.

Short Summary

Here’s a brief overview of everything you need to know:

• Bankruptcy is a legal process that offers a fresh start to individuals and businesses overwhelmed by debt, providing a structured way to resolve financial problems.
• After bankruptcy, the specific outcomes depend on the type of bankruptcy filed, the individual’s financial situation, and local laws.
• Chapter 7 Bankruptcy typically involves the sale of non-exempt assets, while Chapter 13 requires a repayment plan over three to five years.
• Bankruptcy impacts credit scores, with Chapter 7 staying on the credit report for ten years and Chapter 13 for seven years.
• Rebuilding credit is crucial post-bankruptcy, involving secured credit cards, making on-time payments, and responsible financial behavior.
• Certain debts, such as student loans, tax liens, and obligations for alimony and child support, may not be discharged in bankruptcy.
• Bankruptcy negatively affects credit scores, but individuals can take steps to repair their credit over time.
• While obtaining new car or house loans immediately after bankruptcy can be challenging, gradual credit repair can open up opportunities.
• Bankruptcy can be filed again after a certain period, depending on the type of bankruptcy previously filed.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward a stronger financial tomorrow.

What is Bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy is a legal process designed to provide individuals and businesses overwhelmed by debt with a structured and orderly way to resolve their financial problems. It involves a court-supervised procedure in which the assets and liabilities of the debtor (the person or entity in debt) are evaluated and, if necessary, reorganized or liquidated to satisfy outstanding debts.

What Happens After Bankruptcy in Paducah, KY?

After a bankruptcy filing, what happens next can vary depending on the type of bankruptcy, your specific financial situation, and the laws in your jurisdiction. Here’s a general overview of what typically happens after bankruptcy:

Discharge or Repayment Plan Confirmation

• Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: If you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy (liquidation), your non-exempt assets, if any, may be sold, and the proceeds are distributed to your creditors. Most of your unsecured debts (e.g., credit card debt and medical bills) will be discharged, meaning you are no longer legally obligated to pay them.
• Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: If you filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy (reorganization), you must propose a repayment plan to the court. If the court approves your plan, you will make regular payments to a trustee for three to five years. At the end of the plan, any remaining eligible debts are typically discharged.

Credit Report

Bankruptcy will be noted on your credit report, which can negatively impact your credit score. Below are the broad details regarding what happens to your credit report after Chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcy: 

• Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: Filing for bankruptcy hurts your credit initially and stays on your credit report for ten years. But, over time, its effect becomes less severe. After about four months and getting your bankruptcy discharge, you can start rebuilding your financial life and even receive new credit card offers. Credit card companies send these offers because they think you’ll use the money you save to pay off debts. Plus, you can’t file for bankruptcy again for several years.
• Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Chapter 13 bankruptcy, where you pay back some of what you owe, is usually on your credit report for seven years. Since Chapter 13 lasts three to five years, it typically comes off your credit report two to four years after you are finished paying off your qualifying debts.

Rebuilding Credit

Rebuilding your credit is an essential step after bankruptcy. You can start by obtaining a secured credit card or a credit-builder loan and making on-time payments. Over time, responsible financial behavior can help improve your credit score.

• Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: Maintain a mix of credit types like loans and credit cards and keep your available credit high to rebuild credit after Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Keep balances below 30% to improve your credit score when using credit.
  • After bankruptcy, you’ll receive credit card offers, but be cautious because many may have low limits and high fees. Carefully review offer terms and aim for a card with a high limit since your total available credit affects your credit score. It is crucial to pay off most of your balance each month. If you can’t qualify for an unsecured card, consider a secured credit card where you deposit money as collateral, helping rebuild credit as long as the creditor reports payments to your credit report. 
  • After bankruptcy, check your credit report for errors and correct them quickly to avoid problems when rebuilding your credit. You can get a free credit report annually from each of the three reporting agencies through AnnualCreditReport.com. A good practice is to request your report from one of the agencies every four months to stay updated, and all three agencies offer online dispute filing options.
• Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Under Chapter 13 bankruptcy, here are the following ways on how to rebuild credit and prevent another bankruptcy:
  • Check your credit report for mistakes: Get a free report annually from the major bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com and review it for errors. Order a report every four months to stay updated and address any issues.
  • Open and maintain new accounts: Be cautious of credit card offers after bankruptcy, as they often have fees and high-interest rates. Avoid low-limit cards and aim for higher limits to improve your credit score. If unsecured cards are unavailable, consider a secured credit card, but ensure the issuer reports payments to credit agencies.

Once you have new credit cards, pay on time and maintain a balance below 30% of your limit.

• Change spending habits: If overspending led to bankruptcy, review your habits and consider using apps or bank programs to manage your finances better and avoid a repeat scenario.

Remember that bankruptcy laws and procedures can vary by state or jurisdiction. Consulting with our experienced bankruptcy attorney is highly recommended to navigate the bankruptcy process successfully and ensure you understand the specific implications of your situation.

FAQs on What Happens After Bankruptcy

You will be granted a discharge for most of your debts once your bankruptcy case is finished. Additionally, it is against the law for your creditors to try to collect any unpaid debts from you. Keep reading to learn the answers to frequently asked questions about post-bankruptcy proceedings.

Do All Debts Get Discharged in Bankruptcy?

No, declaring bankruptcy won’t erase all of your debts. Depending on your chosen bankruptcy plan, there may be differences in the debts that qualify for discharge. But generally speaking, the following obligations cannot be canceled following bankruptcy:

• Student loans
• Certain tax liens
• Responsibilities for alimony and child support
• Several debts resulting from fines for crimes

What Effects Does Bankruptcy Have on Your Credit Score?

Your credit score will drop if you file for bankruptcy. It could be on your report and made public record for a long time. While Chapter 13 bankruptcy lasts seven years, Chapter 7 bankruptcy will remain on your credit report for ten years.

The effect of bankruptcy on your credit score is greatly influenced by your financial condition before filing. You can take action to repair your credit by doing things like:

• Maintaining your bill-paying schedule
• Getting a secured credit card or a new card
• Avoid taking on more debt than you can manage

Remember that, in the long run, declaring bankruptcy may be better for your credit than not doing so, especially when continuing to carry debt and making late payments.

Is It Possible to Finance a New Car or House After Filing For Bankruptcy?

It can be challenging to obtain a vehicle loan or a mortgage immediately once your bankruptcy case is over. You will, however, have opportunities in the future if you progressively repair your credit. For instance, asking for installment loans or getting a secured credit card will help you start the process of restoring your credit.

What If I Continue to Rack Up Debt?

You might be qualified to apply for bankruptcy again, depending on how long has passed since your last discharge. Below is the timetable:

• Eight years from Chapter 7 to the next,
• Two years from Chapter 13 to the next,
• Four years for Chapters 7 and 13
• Six years from Chapter 13 to Chapter 7

You also have other choices for getting out of debt if you are not eligible for another bankruptcy or decide not to file one.

Let Us Be Your Partner Throughout the Journey of Your Post-Bankruptcy Life in Paducah, KY

Are you drowning in debt, facing creditor harassment, and feeling overwhelmed by financial burdens? Bankruptcy can be a lifeline, a chance for a fresh start, and a path toward regaining control of your financial future. However, the journey doesn’t end with bankruptcy. It is what happens after bankruptcy in Paducah, KY, that truly matters.

Navigating the post-bankruptcy landscape can be complex and challenging, but you don’t have to go it alone. At Farmer & Wright, PLLC, in Kentucky, we guide individuals and businesses through the aftermath of bankruptcy and their worries regarding personal injury and disability claim matters. Our experienced team is here to help you rebuild your credit, plan for a secure financial future, and ensure that bankruptcy is the beginning of your financial success story.

Don’t let the weight of debt hold you back any longer. Contact us today and take the first step towards a brighter financial future.