Business Finance Marketing

The number of bankruptcy filings in the past few years has been on the rise. Many of the bankruptcy lawyers that we have spoken with are receiving more than double the amount of inquiries in the past two years than they ever received in many years prior. The majority of people meeting with the attorneys are seeking protection under chapter 7 of the bankruptcy code. The reason for this is simply because so many people have used their credit cards to meet their needs that they now find themselves overwhelmed with the debt. Many of the credit card issuers have added on severe penalties and interest to a point that can make repayment nearly impossible.

Many of the attorneys that we had an opportunity to speak with, observed that one of the most frequent questions asked by a new client concerned their ability to get credit cards once again after their bankruptcy had been discharged. Some of the Long Island Bankruptcy Attorneys that we spoke with, took this to mean, “how soon can I get back in debt again?”

Although that may be the case for some, the real concern for many people is quite legitimate. It is difficult in today’s world to live without a credit card, although many people do it. But for most of us, not having a credit card is a great inconvenience. Thankfully, for simple day to day cash expenditures, debit cards serve an important function, but there must be cash in the bank to make use of them.

The fact of the matter is that for a great majority of people, credit card offers will be forthcoming within only a few months, sometimes weeks, of the bankruptcy discharge. However, this new credit comes at a price. The post bankruptcy credit card holder can expect to pay much higher interest rates and service fees than they may be used to.

When you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you will be assigned a bankruptcy trustee. This is an entity or individual who is appointed by the court to represent the interests of the bankruptcy estate as well as the people you owe money to (your creditors). He will let you know which types of property that you own are exempt from the bankruptcy. He will then work with you to collect from you and organize all of your non-exempt property.

It is also helpful to have the services of a bankruptcy attorney. An attorney will provide you with any chapter 7 bankruptcy information that you need.

The trustee will itemize all of your property and other assets that are not exempt from the bankruptcy. He will then arrange the sale of those assets and handle the disbursement of the funds received to the creditors.