Mounting debt can be difficult to deal with, especially when you’re subject to seemingly endless creditor harassment. In this case, you may be thinking about filing for bankruptcy. While bankruptcy might not be right for everyone, it can be a good option for people who are unable to get control of their finances on their own. The Balance recommends asking yourself the following questions if you’re unsure whether bankruptcy is right for you.
Do you have outstanding medical bills?
Medical bills are able to be discharged via bankruptcy. This is good news for many people, who may have health insurance that might not cover the full extent of their medical costs. Medical bills can become exorbitant with serious or chronic illnesses, which leads people to build up a large amount of debt in a relatively short period of time.
Have creditor negotiations broken down?
It’s recommended that you speak with creditors before pursuing other methods of settling your debt. Most creditors are willing to work with people to find a way for them to repay debt, so contacting creditors should be the first step you take when dealing with financial issues. If you’re unable to reach an agreement or creditors are being generally unresponsive, it’s time to consider other options.
Have you gone through credit counseling?
Depending on the type of bankruptcy you plan on filing for, undergoing credit counseling might be mandatory. People filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which involves a discharge of eligible debt, are obligated to undergo credit counseling for at least six months before they can file. Credit counselors offer advice on how to negotiate with creditors, although they offer no guarantee of success.
