Filing for bankruptcy answers a lot of questions about your debt, but also creates others. For instance, you might be wondering the difference between a Chapter 7 and a Chapter 13, and might also need to know what things you are allowed to keep and what must be surrendered. The law is full of terms that are not in most people’s everyday vocabulary, and this will also give you many questions that need answers. Knowing what a 341 meeting is will help you know when to appear in Court and what to expect when you get there. Understanding how a discharge works will give you the knowledge needed to determine what debts are no longer due after the bankruptcy case is over. And, when you want to keep certain things it is critical to understand the purpose of a reaffirmation agreement.
The way to keep certain things, like your car or house, when you file bankruptcy is by signing a reaffirmation agreement. A reaffirmation agreement is like a new contract or loan, and it will mean you must make payments for the collateral reaffirmed even after the bankruptcy case ends. Because you will remain financial obligated for all debts reaffirmed, it is important to have the following facts:
● You can still be sued for debts that are reaffirmed, if you do not reaffirm on an obligation the creditor loses the ability to sue you.
● You might still receive collection calls or letters if you reaffirm a debt.
These consequences seem scary, but with the right amount of knowledge you will be able to make a decision that works. Reaffirming a debt is usually the only way a lender will not require return of property. But doing so has to be something that makes financial sense. A careful analysis of your budget will tell you if you are able to make the payments on a reaffirmed debt, and thus allow you to make a choice that is in your best financial interest. It is our job to help you understand the terms you are agreeing to when signing a reaffirmation and to explain to you the possible consequences if you default on the reaffirmation. We help people make these types of important decisions every day and can help you too.
For answers to your questions about reaffirmation agreements, call our office. We explain the consequences of reaffirming and help you reach a decision that works for you. Call a Plantation, Florida debt relief attorney today for more information.
