Procedures Involved When Filing For Bankruptcy In Hawaii

By Donna Wagner


It is difficult to be owed by creditors especially when your bank account balance is insufficient. During this challenging moment of your life, there are several options that can help you settle the debts slowly as you recover your financial stability. One of them is declaring that you are bankrupt. In this case, you ought to consider certain steps before filing for bankruptcy in Hawaii.

You should analyze your debts and other financial responsibilities that are holding you back. It is also important to know that there are debts that can not be erased. Communicate with your creditors to find out how you can repay these debts in small amounts. When you find out that most debts can not be discharged, then it is impossible for you to legally declare that you are broke. For example, it is difficult to do away with child support, taxes and student loans.

Ensure that you have background knowledge on the diverse types of bankruptcy. In Honolulu HI, when you legally declare that you bankrupt, the case is usually filled under federal courts of law. Individuals and enterprises are allowed to file for chapter seven. In this case, their property is seized and valued in order to settle the debts that they owe creditors. You income should also be below a certain value for you to file chapter seven.

Analyze the benefits of legally declaring you are bankrupt. Try to evaluate the negative impacts that chapter seven has on your credit. This impact is usually low especially when your credit score is above average. On the flipside, when your credit score is below average, legally declaring that you are broke will not help to fix your financial problems.

Find out whether you qualify to file for bankruptcy. In this case, you should undertake a means test. When pursuing this test, you are required by the law to fill out three forms then submit them when you are done. You can download these forms by visiting the website of the judiciary especially if you reside in Honolulu HI. These forms have steps that enable you to calculate your income and compare it to a certain value to determine whether you qualify file for a chapter seven case.

You will definitely require a competent lawyer amidst this challenging endeavor especially if you have the ability to afford legal services. If you lack the ability to procure an attorney, do not despair because the judiciary will assign one to you. A lawyer will defend you in court when the judiciary officials are against your pursuit for bankruptcy. This legal expert will also sign the official documents handed by the judge on your behalf.

The court will assign you a trustee whose main role is to act on the behalf of your creditors. A trustee is also mandated by the law to assess and verify the authenticity of the data filled in the application documents. The quantity of assets seized by the judicial system to pay your creditors depends on the type of court in your country.

Debtor education and credit counseling are mandatory for anyone who wishes to file for chapter seven. Credit counseling takes place before you lawfully fill out the forms while debtor education transpires after the court has fully declared that you are broke. Once you undertake these courses, you receive a certificate that should be presented to court.




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