Personal Bankruptcy Chatham – Facts, Alternatives & Options | Ontario

Types of Debts – What Bankruptcy Won’t Do

Bankruptcy isn’t something most people want to talk about with their friends. Yes, bankruptcy gets rid of most of your debts, but did you know that there are some debts you might still have to repay because they can’t be included in your bankruptcy?

3 common kinds of debt that are excluded from bankruptcy are:

• Secured debts, like a car loan or mortgage
• Student loans, if they are less than 7 years old
• Child and alimony support payments that aren’t up to date

Also, if you recently racked up credit card bills and now want to go bankrupt, creditors may stop you or ask that you pay more, before they let you get rid of the debt through bankruptcy.

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

It’s not well known, but it takes at least 9 months to go through all the steps of the bankruptcy process. As part of the process, you make payments to your trustee for the costs and fees of going bankrupt, and you also have to attend two bankruptcy counselling sessions. Completing the process and getting discharged takes longer if you need to pay extra to your creditors because of your situation. If you have assets or too much equity in your home, above what you’re allowed to keep in Ontario, your trustee will sell your assets for you.

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

Bankruptcy is one of the worst things you can do to your credit rating. There is no easy way to obtain credit after you have legally eliminated your debts through bankruptcy. It takes time and patience before creditors trust you enough to lend you money again. Not being able to take out a loan, renew your mortgage or apply for a low interest rate credit card can impact your financial plans and put your life on hold.

Alternatives to Bankruptcy in Ontario

By now you may be wondering which alternatives to bankruptcy could work for you. There are a number of options and the best solution might mean combining some of them. Depending on your circumstances, 4 options that you may not have considered are: consolidation loans, debt repayment programs, debt settlement options or a Consumer Proposal.

Debt Consolidation & Debt Repayment Plans

When you hear the words “debt consolidation,” you probably think that this means consolidating your bills and other debts into a new loan. This could work for you if you’ve got a realistic budget. For many people, it makes more sense to consolidate only their monthly payments. Don’t worry if you’ve been turned down for a consolidation loan by your lender. There are other types of debt consolidation to consider.

Consolidating payments doesn’t involve borrowing more money, so there’s never a problem with bad credit. That’s how a debt management program and plan with a non-profit credit counselling organization works. Creditors help by lowering or waiving interest charges while you’re making your payments. This lets you pay off your debts and saves you thousands in interest and fees. What you pay each month is based on what you can afford after you’ve had help to create a realistic budget.

Debt Settlement

Repayment and consolidation programs or loans help you pay back what you borrowed – which is a good thing because most people really don’t want to file for bankruptcy and walk away from their debts. However, sometimes it’s possible that only paying back part of a debt may be the best solution. That’s where a debt settlement with a reputable company might help. Offering creditors a settlement requires a lump sum of money, but sometimes that’s not as far-fetched an option as you might think.

Filing a Consumer Proposal

Sometimes a legal alternative to bankruptcy might be what you need. A Consumer Proposal could be the right solution depending on your situation. A Consumer Proposal in Chatham is arranged by a trustee, and by making monthly payments, you pay back part of what you owe. Your creditors have the option to agree to the proposal or not.

How Do I Decide Which Option to Go For?

The right solution to your debts depends on your circumstances. When you’re busy just trying to get from one pay cheque to the next and avoiding collection calls, you need help to look at your situation with a fresh set of ideas. You need a qualified Debt & Credit Counsellor to help you come up with a good plan.

Non Profit, Confidential Bankruptcy & Credit Counselling Information & Advice in Chatham, Ontario

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:

• Explain all of your options to deal with your debts, including alternatives to bankruptcy
• Show you how to effectively manage all of your bills and living expenses
• Refer you to a bankruptcy trustee in Chatham if it looks like bankruptcy is your best option
• Answer your questions and give you the guidance you need to know what to do about your debts

Related Links

• The Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy in Ontario
• Insolvency Glossary
• Credit Counselling Society Ontario office locations

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