Debtors who have faced obstacles to paying off their debts when due have no doubt received more than their fair share of demanding letters and phone calls, and the thought of getting rid of their debts, and thus the constant demands, through bankruptcy can be quite appealing. Before making a decision to pursue that route, which can have long-term effects on credit rating and the ability to make large purchases, like a home, debtors should consider other, less-drastic alternatives.
If the debtor’s financial problems are only temporary, he or she may want to ask creditors to accept lower payments or that payments are scheduled over a longer period of time. Creditors may be receptive to these ideas if the debtor has been a prompt payer in the past, or if the specter of bankruptcy is raised, since creditors know that once a bankruptcy proceeding is initiated they will probably collect only a portion of what is owed. In addition, creditors may wish to avoid the difficulties of a court proceeding to collect on the debt, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
Consumer credit counselors can also help creditors work out a repayment plan. Some of these advisers work for nonprofit agencies, so they charge no fees. Many credit-counseling services charge a fee for their guidance, however, and it may not appeal to an already over-stressed debtor to add another debt to the stockpile.
If the debtor’s financial troubles are long-term or if the creditors will not agree to an alternative payment plan informally, bankruptcy may be the best way for the debtor to get out from under an insurmountable debt load. Although it is not without its adverse consequences, bankruptcy can be the right option to enable debtors to make a fresh start.
Seek Counsel Of A Debt Relief Lawyer
Before you make decisions to file or not to file for bankruptcy you should consult a debt elimination attorney. At Harold Faletti Law Office, P.C. we offer a fee consultation to discuss the best debt solution for your. To schedule a fee consultation call (303) 438-8477 today.
