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Five Things You Should Not Do Before Filing for Bankruptcy

Wirtten By

Jason Provinzano

Many debtors ask about what they should do before filing bankruptcy; but what about the things that debtors shouldn’t do before filing bankruptcy?

Below is a list of five things debtors should avoid before filing bankruptcy:

  1. Do NOT decimate your retirement account in an attempt to repay creditors.  In fact, it’s never a good idea to borrow from your retirement account for any reason. Because retirement accounts are 100% exempt from creditor seizure, it is a wise decision for debtors to not withdraw that money.  Once the retirement money is withdrawn creditors may be able to access it.
  2. Do NOT abandon your home if you want to save it from foreclosure.  Leaving your home before filing bankruptcy may cause you to lose your homestead exemption and thus lose your ability to save your home.  Please speak with Attorney Provinzano about how you can save your home from foreclosure during bankruptcy.
  3. Do NOT ignore creditor lawsuits.  If a credit card company sues you and is able to win a default judgment because you ignored the lawsuit, they may be able to seize assets via bank account seizures and wage garnishments before you file bankruptcy.  Under certain circumstances you may be able to recover some or all of those assets; but there is no reason to take the risk that you won’t.  Respond to all lawsuits against you.
  4. Do NOT give away or transfer cash or property to family and friends.  Many debtors make the mistake of thinking they can have family and friends safeguard assets while they are in bankruptcy; but this is illegal.  If you have unwittingly transferred assets before filing bankruptcy, speak with Attorney Provinzano to find out how you can correct this error.
  5. Do NOT engage with a credit consolidation company – they do NOT work!  Debt consolidations companies make debt consolidation sound like it is the answer and an alternative. The truth is – Debt Consolidation doesn’t work!  I have represented many individuals who have attempted debt consolidation first and quickly realized that it doesn’t work.

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