Frederick Maryland Bankruptcy Blog

When can you start using credit again after filing bankruptcy?

On behalf of Law Offices of John C. Hanrahan, LLC on Wednesday, July 31, 2019.

Some people worry that they won't have access to credit after a bankruptcy. Bankruptcy has a direct and provable negative effect on your credit, in part, as a way to deter people from filing unnecessarily. However, it is often less damaging to your credit than multiple delinquent accounts and judgments against you.

Typically, your open lines of credit that you do not reaffirm as part of bankruptcy proceedings wind up discharged and unavailable to you. It is common for people to wonder when they might be able to qualify for credit again after they finish bankruptcy. The good news is that so long as you are responsible and make sure you have your priorities straight, it is possible to begin using credit again within weeks of your discharge.

Will bankruptcy affect my career prospects?

On behalf of Law Offices of John C. Hanrahan, LLC on Wednesday, July 3, 2019.

Although there are many undeniable advantages to filing for bankruptcy, there is still a certain stigma attached to it, and this often deters people, preventing them filing. If you are struggling with overwhelming financial challenges but you are worried about how bankruptcy could negatively affect your life, it is important that you clarify the validity of some of your suspicions.

It's common for debtors to feel ashamed of the financial situation they are facing, and they may even let their issues degrade their own sense of self-worth. However, there is no reason to feel shame when filing for bankruptcy. In fact, bankruptcy should be seen as an act of courage. By taking action to face your financial issues head-on, you are making the best decision for the long-term well-being of yourself and your family.

How will filing for bankruptcy affect my mental health?

On behalf of Law Offices of John C. Hanrahan, LLC on Monday, June 3, 2019.

Overwhelming debt and mental health issues are strongly linked. Financial difficulties can contribute to increased stress as well as anxiety disorders and depression. However, causation can also run the other way: Those with mental health issues may be more likely to make impulse purchases or bury their head in the sand rather than address financial issues directly. Often, debtors find themselves in a vicious cycle, and as debts worsen, depression and anxiety may become more severe.

It's vital that those suffering from mental health issues seek help from a medical professional. But if you believe that your financial situation is making your mental health worse, you may wonder how filing for bankruptcy could affect your situation.

How long will a bankruptcy filing take?

On behalf of Law Offices of John C. Hanrahan, LLC on Wednesday, May 1, 2019.

The length of a bankruptcy largely depends on the Chapter of bankruptcy that is filed for, and the complexity of the individual case. If you are considering filing for bankruptcy in Frederick, it is important to recognize that time and effort will need to be invested in order to achieve a debt free life.

You should also understand as much as possible about the bankruptcy process before you make the commitment to file. This will help you to choose the bankruptcy Chapter that is right for you. The two most common options for individual debtors are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. In this article, details about the length and the process of each will be discussed.

Taking charge of overwhelming medical bills

On behalf of Law Offices of John C. Hanrahan, LLC on Tuesday, April 2, 2019.

If you or a loved one is suffering from ill health, it will be a stressful time for all involved. In addition to the medical-related stress, you may be suffering financially due to medical bills. The financial burden that medical care can place on a patient may feel overwhelming, and the stress caused is not conducive to healing. This is why it is important to take charge of overwhelming medical bills.

There are many options for a person suffering due to medical debt. The best solution will depend on the specific situation, but it is a good idea to research and consider all options.

Will my life improve after bankruptcy?

On behalf of Law Offices of John C. Hanrahan, LLC on Tuesday, March 5, 2019.

If you are struggling with debt, you will know that no matter what luxuries you have in your life, you will be unable to enjoy them to a full extent due to worries about the debt in the back of your mind. Having an expensive car or designer clothes can bring joy, but they will never provide peace of mind when you are worried about your financial future.

Many people are hesitant to go through the process of bankruptcy because they know that they will need to give up many of the luxuries that they have become accustomed to. In many cases, these "luxuries" may be quite modest ones, and they are generally concerned that their quality of life will need to change significantly.

The impact of bankruptcy on your credit rating

On behalf of Law Offices of John C. Hanrahan, LLC on Thursday, January 31, 2019.

Despite the many benefits of filing for bankruptcy, such as the ability to discharge or reorganize debt, there are potential disadvantages to be aware of as you consider your next step. For example, you need to fully understand what will happen to your credit rating if you proceed with a bankruptcy filing.

There is no denying the fact that a bankruptcy is considered a negative event. Not only will it drag down your credit score, but it can also make it very difficult to secure a loan in the future.

Can student loans be discharged in bankruptcy?

On behalf of Law Offices of John C. Hanrahan, LLC on Wednesday, January 2, 2019.

An increasing number of young people in the United States are now going to college. For the majority of college students, loans are taken out in order to pay for tuition and living expenses. At the time, college students take out these loans thinking that they will be able to make repayments effortlessly when they gain high paying jobs after graduation. However, the reality is usually not so simple.

Unfortunately, many graduates in the state of Maryland suffer financial hardships that are made more difficult by student loan repayment obligations. Student loan debt can be crippling, and they are one of the most common forms of debt in the United States. Therefore, those considering bankruptcy often wonder whether the student debt will be discharged during the filing.

Can high earners file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

On behalf of Law Offices of John C. Hanrahan, LLC on Tuesday, December 4, 2018.

There are several different types of bankruptcy options for debtors in the United States. If the debtor has a very high income, the process of bankruptcy can be more complex.

This is often because high earners struggling with debts tend to be dealing with a higher amount of debt as well as a more comprehensive catalog of assets. In addition, qualification requirements can also mean that many high-income debtors do not qualify for certain bankruptcy Chapters that might seem the most appealing.

What happens after an automatic stay violation?

On behalf of Law Offices of John C. Hanrahan, LLC on Monday, November 5, 2018.

If you have filed for bankruptcy in the state of Maryland or if you are considering filing for bankruptcy, it is likely that you will be interested in how the automatic stay works. The automatic stay in bankruptcy filings is something that many debtors are drawn to, since they want an end to the stresses of constant creditor communication.

If you are struggling with debts and you want to end debt collection attempts from creditors, filing for bankruptcy may be something to consider. However, you should not file for bankruptcy only for this reason. A bankruptcy filing is a big commitment that takes a great deal of determination before a fresh financial start can be enjoyed.