Consumers who are having trouble keeping up with their debts may want to think about filing for bankruptcy. This could be especially true for Mississippi residents who have no savings or assets to pay off their debts with. Those who want protection from creditors may be able to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. In a Chapter 7 case, an individual is allowed to sell assets and use the money to pay off their debts.

If there is a remaining balance on an unsecured debt after assets have been liquidated, it may still be discharged. To qualify for a liquidation bankruptcy, a debtor must have a household income less than the state median. It may also be necessary to pass a means test, which looks at a person’s disposable income to determine if he or she qualifies for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Those who don’t qualify for a liquidation bankruptcy might want to file for Chapter 13 protection. In a Chapter 13 proceeding, a debtor will make payments to creditors over a predetermined period of time. To qualify for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, an individual must have no more than $419,275 in unsecured debt and no more than $1,257,850 in secured debts. Debtors must also be current on their federal tax returns and have enough money to make plan payments each month.

Individuals who are facing the threat of repossession or a foreclosure may want to consider filing for bankruptcy. Doing so may make it possible to obtain debt relief without the need to give up property like a home or a car. When a case is filed, creditors may be barred from filing lawsuits or calling a debtor about an outstanding balance. Legal counsel may further explain the potential benefits of a Chapter 7 or 13 proceeding.

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