A debt solution like bankruptcy should really only be used as a last possible solution. The problem with this solution of debt problems is that it includes a lot more than simply eliminating debt. When someone declares them self bankrupted, all debt collection actions against that person are prevented. The court grants an "automatic stay", which - with a few exceptions means that creditors cannot come after the money owed to them.

The most important exception is that when a loan is secured by property creditors can seek relief from the stay and seize that property. The other exceptions are student loan debt, alimony, child support and taxes.

The backside for the person who seeks this solution to eliminate his debt is that he or she must hand over all non-exempt property. This property is then sold and the proceeds are distributed amongst the creditors.

There are two types of this solution of your debt problems:

Chapter 7

which states that a person is required to hand over much of their property, but creditors cannot seek damages from further income.

Chapter 13

allows a person to keep most of their income, but have to make a plan to pay the debt back to creditors based on their future income. Under this plan, the court can require individuals to live within a very strict budget.

As you see, there are downsides to both debt elimination plans. One of the biggest downside is that both debt erase plans will significantly impact a person's credit rate. For this reason, declaring yourself bankrupt is a solution of your debt problems that should be evaluated very thoroughly and carefully. Other debt solutions like debt negotiation, debt counselling and debt consolidation should definitely be considered first.

About the Author: Terje Brooks Ellingsen is a writer and internet publisher. He runs the website http://www.1st-in-loan.net Terje gives advice and helps people with personal financial issues like how to get out of debt, see http://www.1st-in-loan.net/debt_help.htm and to apply online for credit cards, see http://www.1st-in-loan.net/credit_card_offer.htm

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