Bankruptcy Alternatives in Chilliwack
Explore all your options, and get your finances back on track.

Personal Bankruptcy Chilliwack – Facts, Alternatives & Options | BC

No one wants to file for bankruptcy. Find other options and get more information before taking such a drastic step.

Personal Bankruptcy in Chilliwack, BC – Bankruptcy might be the first thing you think of when you realize that you can’t keep up with your bills and debts. It might even be the right debt solution for you. But, before declaring bankruptcy, you need to know your options, how the process works and how it will affect you and your family in the years to come. Let us help you avoid a mistake by explaining all of your options first.

Find Out What Options May Be Available to You
by Answering 9 Simple Questions

Just answer these easy, multiple-choice questions to get a look at your potential options. Within a few minutes, you'll be looking at summarized options and results that apply specifically to your situation.

 

Discover Your Options

1. How would you describe your financial situation? Please move the slider along the scale to reflect approximately where you feel you're at.
I can cover all my expenses each month, plus have the ability to save.
 
I can cover my monthly expenses, but I need to borrow, work extra, etc.
 
I can no longer cover all my expenses every month.
 
2. Which of the following best describes you?
3. How stressed do you feel about your debt?
Not stressed
 
Somewhat stressed
 
Very stressed
 

Types of Debts – What Bankruptcy Won’t Do

There’s a lot that people don’t tell you about bankruptcy. Sure, it will get rid of most of your debts, but there are some debts you might still have to pay because they can’t be included in your bankruptcy.

3 types of debt that you can’t declare bankruptcy on:

  • Secured debts, like mortgages or car loans
  • Student loans that are less than 7 years old
  • Child and alimony support payments that are in arrears

Some people also want to declare bankruptcy because of their credit card debt. However, if they only recently got into debt with their credit cards, creditors may oppose eliminating the debts with bankruptcy.

The Bankruptcy Process – Working with Your Trustee to Obtain Your Discharge

Those who have gone bankrupt might not tell you that it takes a minimum of 9 months to complete the bankruptcy process. There are costs and fees to go bankrupt, which you pay to your trustee, as well as bankruptcy counselling sessions you must attend. Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to pay extra to your creditors, which delays completing the process and obtaining your discharge. Not everyone loses their home and assets when they file for bankruptcy, but assets above what you’re allowed to keep in BC will be sold by your trustee.

You should also be aware that your trustee, your creditors, the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy or the Court can oppose or delay your bankruptcy discharge. Depending on your situation, you may need to attend a hearing, answer questions under oath and/or meet the additional requirements to obtain your discharge.

Your Credit Rating & Bankruptcy in Canada

Legally eliminating debt through bankruptcy seriously impacts your credit rating and makes it hard to obtain credit later. You need to show creditors why they should trust you enough to lend you money again. Not being able to renew your mortgage, get a loan or apply for a low interest rate credit card often impacts other financial plans and puts your life on hold.

Global TV and CTV News Interview People We Helped

From time to time, the news media interviews some of the people we helped who are comfortable sharing their story publicly. Below are three Canadians who shared their experience with the Credit Counselling Society.

Global TV interviews Julia Fletcher after she eliminates her debt with zero interest & avoids bankruptcy with help from the Credit Counselling Society. See Story Now
CTV News reveals how Dan Robinson paid off $30,000 in debt with no interest with the help of the Credit Counselling Society. Watch the News Story
Global TV interviews Charis who consolidated with us and has nearly paid off $67,000 in debt on 13 credit cards. Watch the Segment

Alternatives to Bankruptcy in BC

You may now be curious as to which bankruptcy alternatives can work for you. The right solution might not just be one option, but a combination of a few different ones. Depending on your situation, 4 options that you likely need more information about are: consolidation loans, debt repayment programs, debt settlement options or a Consumer Proposal.

Consolidation & Debt Repayment Plans

Consolidation means a lot of things, and while most people think that they need a loan to consolidate their bills and debts, that’s not always possible. If you’ve got a good household budget, a loan might work for you. However, if you’ve been declined for a debt consolidation loan, consolidating only your monthly payments might make more sense.

When you consolidate payments, you don’t actually borrow more money, so bad credit is never a problem. That’s how a debt management program with a non-profit credit counselling organization works. Your creditors will help you by lowering or waiving ongoing interest charges. This saves you thousands of dollars in interest and lets you repay your debts. The amount you pay each month is based on your budget and on what you can afford.

Settling Your Debts

Consolidation programs and loans help you repay what you borrowed. Most people really do want to pay back what they owe and not walk away from their debts by declaring bankruptcy. However, only paying back part of what you owe might be the best solution. That’s where a debt settlement, when structured properly, can help. You need a lump sum of money to offer your creditors a settlement, but sometimes that’s not as far-fetched an option as you might think.

Filing a Consumer Proposal

If you need a legal alternative to filing for bankruptcy, your situation might mean that you need a Consumer Proposal. A Consumer Proposal in Chilliwack is set up by a trustee, and once agreed to by your creditors, you make monthly payments to repay part of what you owe.

What’s My Best Option?

As you can tell, a lot depends on your situation. When you’re just trying to make ends meet and duck the collection phone calls, you need help looking at your circumstances objectively. You need a professionally trained Credit & Debt Counsellor to help you come up with a good plan.

There’s Hope Without Declaring Bankruptcy

“Whatever your financial worries, trepidation or fear of being judged/forced into bankruptcy – get CCS to help. Their staff is incredible, couldn’t have dealt with a better group of people. They are truly dedicated to finding practical solutions, advocating for your financial future. First they provide hope, then they help and finish by delivering happiness.”

 

– Daryl, Actual Client Review from Google

Non Profit Bankruptcy & Credit Counselling Information & Advice in Chilliwack, BC

If you want to find out why someone shouldn’t declare bankruptcy, get answers to your questions about joint debts or debts left over from a divorce, or learn more about alternatives to bankruptcy, one of our Credit & Debt Counsellors can help! They are experts in helping people with their debts and money, and they’d be happy to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your financial future.

Your Counsellor will:

  • Review all of your options to deal with your debts, including bankruptcy alternatives
  • Show you how to manage your living costs and bills effectively
  • Refer you to a bankruptcy trustee in Chilliwack if filing for bankruptcy is a good option for you
  • Answer your questions and explain what you need to know so that you can decide the best way to deal with your debts

 

Office Serving Chilliwack
Suite 209 – 2316 McCallum Road
Abbotsford, BC V2S 3P4

Phone: 604-859-5757

Our office that serves Chilliwack also offers bankruptcy alternatives in Agassiz, Harrison Hot Springs, Deroche, Cultus Lake, Hope, Abbotsford, and Mission.

Free Credit Counselling Appointments for Chilliwack, BC

Each year we help thousands of people just like you successfully deal with their debts. Looking forward to a debt-free financial future really is possible. To learn more or to schedule a free, confidential, no-obligation appointment with one of our professionally trained Credit Counsellors who serves Chilliwack, contact us today at 604-859-5757, email us or chat with us online.

Putting Your Interests First

Our goal is to always put consumers first and look out for their best interests in everything we do. One way we do this is through transparency and accountability. We are held accountable to the most rigorous standards in our industry.

Certified by Great Places to Work Canada
Accredited by Canada’s national association of non-profit credit counselling organizations.
North America’s largest association of non-profit credit counselling organizations.
Accredited by the Better Business Bureau.

The Credit Counselling Society also provides help to those who are struggling with payday loans – including online loans – in Chilliwack.