When given the choice, debtors
mostly prefer filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy as it discharges most of the
debts. A debtor, however, has to qualify Means Test, i.e. he or she must meet
an income limitation. An eligible debtor may have most of his debts discharged
through nonexempt property liquidation. While you are struggling with
unmanageable unsecured debts, losing some of the nonexempt assets to clear off all
the dues is actually ‘no loss,’ believed by Recovery Law Group – a trusted
consumer protection law firm in Los Angeles. The most common types of
bankruptcies filed are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies. However filing
Chapter 7 over Chapter 13 is considered a wiser choice, because:
·
The debtor
can start over fresh. The objective of Chapter 7 bankruptcy is to
allow the debtor a fresh start. Elimination of some debts sets the defaulter
free from personal liability for the cleared debt. There are still certain types
of debts that cannot be discharged and these include student loan, alimony and
child support, debts incurred through embezzlement and certain taxes. Besides,
there are certain property liens, such as mechanic’s lien, mortgage and tax liens,
that can never be discharged even after the completion of Chapter 7 bankruptcy
case.
·
The debtor
gets to keep all his future income. Typically, properties acquired
by a debtor after he files Chapter 7 bankruptcy do remain within his possession
only, however terms and conditions applied. If the debtor acquires the property
within 180 days after filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the property falls under
bankruptcy estate lawfully. However, this condition applies only if the
property is inherited, or is the result of divorce decree, settlement
agreement, a life insurance policy proceeds or if it is a death benefit.
·
There are
no limitations on the debt amount. Quite unlike the Chapter 13bankruptcy, rules of Chapter 7 bankruptcy do not inflict a limit on the amount
of debt the filer may receive. In chapter 13 bankruptcy, debtors are not
eligible if debt exceeds the debt limit, irrespective of unsecured or secured
debts.
·
There is no
repayment plan. In chapter 7 bankruptcy, debtors need not repay any
debts using a court-approved repayment plan, but in chapter 13 bankruptcy, they
do. In chapter 7 bankruptcy, the debtor is set free from repaying most debts
after their discharge in the process, except for certain types of debts.
·
Chapter 7
bankruptcy works faster than chapter 13. Debts are typically
discharged within three months. The court issues discharge order within 60 to
90 days after the debtor files bankruptcy. Once the trustee distributes the nonexempt
properties of the debtor to unsecured creditors, the case is closed by the
bankruptcy court.
Hence, if you have been wondering
whether to file chapter 7 or chapter 13 bankruptcy, despite the Chapter 7
bankruptcy’s more popularity and compatibility, you should always consult an
experienced attorney before heading to any decision. Recovery Law Group can be
your ideal assistance throughout.
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