I am having money problems. Should I file for bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy is a legal process that allows you to get rid of your if you cannot pay them off. Bankruptcy can give you a fresh start. But it will affect your ability to get cards, mortgages, or other loans in the future.

You can only file for if you are insolvent. Insolvent means that:

  • you don't have enough money to pay your debts, and
  • you have more than $1,000 in .

An unsecured debt is money that you owe that doesn't have . For example:

  • credit cards
  • payday loans
  • cell phone bills
  • lines of credit

If you have filed for bankruptcy before, a can tell you about the special rules that apply to you.

Before you file for bankruptcy

Most people can fix their debt problems without filing for bankruptcy. Instead of bankruptcy, you can:

  • try to work out a repayment plan with your creditors. You can talk to your creditors on your own, or with the help of a non-profit credit counsellor. This kind of repayment plan is called an informal restructuring.
  • talk to a financial advisor at your bank. An advisor can help you make a plan to pay off your debts. They can also help you apply for a .
  • talk to a Licensed Insolvency Trustee about your financial situation and what you can do. And a trustee can help you file a , which is another option.
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