Chicago Bankruptcy Lawyer Joseph Wrobel Debunks Myths About Bankruptcy in Illinois
There are all kinds of myths about bankruptcy and the truth about bankruptcy gets more appealing when people learn how a bankruptcy case actually works. You can ask for a Chapter 7 full discharge or a Chapter 13 partial discharge and repayment plan. If you need to keep your home and car, we have options for you. When searching online for information about how bankruptcy in Illinois works, it is important to get your information from an experienced Chicago bankruptcy lawyer who can dispel myths about bankruptcy in Illinois.
Myths About Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Illinois
People worry about losing their property in bankruptcy in Illinois. Do not worry, because most of your important property asset exemptions. The Illinois Homestead Exemption allows you to keep up to $15,000 in equity in your home. The Illinois Motor Vehicle Exemption up to $2,400 in one motor vehicle is also allowed. You can also keep personal property up to $4,000. There are also exemptions for a list of additional categories.
Chicago Bankruptcy Lawyer Joseph Wrobel Can Help You Today at (312) 781-0996
Read our blog article, Bankruptcy Exemptions in Illinois to learn more about keeping your property in bankruptcies.
Myths About Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Illinois
Despite myths, you can keep your house and save your mortgage with Chapter 13 bankruptcy. In a Chapter 13 you will repay a portion of your debts over a three to a five-year repayment plan. People might also think they do not qualify for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy because they make too much money. When people are looking for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy but they make too much money, they can file a Chapter 13 and enjoy its many benefits.
You can dismiss your bankruptcy at any time if your financial situations change, even if you are still in your Chapter 13 plan. You can also sell your home while in Chapter 13.
We answer all the myths about bankruptcy in Illinois in our article, What Everybody Should Know About Chapter 13 Bankruptcy.
Credit Rebuilding Myths Debunked
Bankruptcy will affect your credit score but it is not forever. Actually, Chapter 7 is on your credit report for 10 years and seven years for a Chapter 13. Meanwhile, despite what some think, your credit score can be repaired. After your bankruptcy discharge, you can get a secured credit card and start rebuilding your credit. The more you use credit responsibly, the quicker your score will rise.
People worry traditional credit card companies will never give you credit. Actually, as you rebuild your credit and you have fewer creditors after you, you are a better credit risk. A credit union knowing you had a bankruptcy, can make car loans based on your credit score and your current financial position.
Many people who had a bankruptcy get approved for mortgages within a few years of their bankruptcy. The Non-Prime Lenders website offers information about mortgage after bankruptcy.
Read our article, Good Credit After Bankruptcy
Housing and Apartment Rent Myths
People are worried about renting or buying an apartment or house after bankruptcy in Illinois. Do not worry about being out on the street. You can certainly rent a home or apartment after a bankruptcy, even if your credit score is not where you want it. Many larger rental companies frequently work with people in a bankruptcy or who recently completed a Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13 case. Sure, some smaller rental companies and individual owners with properties could deny you. But most will charge you a larger security deposit or ask for a co-signer. It is very rare to hear a case of someone not being able to rent a place to live during or after bankruptcy.
Some say you will never qualify for a mortgage after bankruptcy, and they are wrong. When you have more money to pay your bills, it can be easier to rebuild a good credit score for a mortgage in a few years. When you no longer have debts you are unable to pay, you are a better credit risk. If you are renting, you can improve your chances to get a better mortgage and lenders have options for buyers who had a bankruptcy.
The Myths About Employment and Bankruptcy
No, your employer cannot fire you because you filed for bankruptcy. Nor can an employer change anything about your employment because of a bankruptcy.
Public, government agencies may not use bankruptcy in the hiring process. Private employers are not likely to make hiring decisions based on whether someone had a bankruptcy. Private companies may ask to check your credit. While there may be certain special employment positions where bankruptcy could be a problem, for most people this is not a problem.
One of the common reasons people do file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy is to avoid pending wage garnishment. Through the process of taking advantage of the bankruptcy laws to stop a wage garnishment, the employer receives a notice of the bankruptcy.
Check out this ForRent.com article, Can You Rent an Apartment after Filing Bankruptcy?
Call Joseph Wrobel, Ltd. at (312) 781-0996 to Learn Answers to Myths About Bankruptcy in Illinois
Whatever your questions or concerns are about bankruptcy, call Joseph Wrobel. Ltd., the Chicago Bankruptcy Law Firm. Joseph Wrobel has been practicing consumer bankruptcy law for many years and has seen and heard just about everything. How do I start?
Every question you have is a good question. Call us to learn answers to myths about bankruptcy in Illinois by dialing (312) 781-0996.
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