What is bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy is a legal process that allows a person or business to obtain debt relief. In a nutshell, it is a way for people who are overwhelmed with debt to have their debt reduced, restructured, or eliminated. Bankruptcy is generally declared when one can no longer make payments due to the amount of debt they have. In South Carolina, the process for declaring bankruptcy is governed by the United States Bankruptcy Code. Depending on the type of bankruptcy and individual filing situation, a person can either choose from Chapter 7, Chapter 11, or Chapter 13 of the Bankruptcy Code. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is often referred to as “straight bankruptcy”. It allows for certain debts, such as credit card debt, to be eliminated. This type of bankruptcy requires you to give up any non-exempt assets in exchange for a release from the debt. Chapter 11 bankruptcy allows businesses to continue operations while they restructure their debt. In this type of bankruptcy, the court will set up a payment plan that allows for debts to be paid over time. Finally, Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a type of repayment plan. It is designed to help individuals who have income but cannot pay all their bills due to high debt. In this situation, the debtor creates a plan that will allow them to pay all or some of the debt over a period of three to five years. Overall, bankruptcy can help those who are in financial difficulty find a way out without continuing to suffer from the debt burden. It is important to research and understand the process of bankruptcy in South Carolina prior to declaring it.

Related FAQs

Does filing for bankruptcy have any effect on other legal proceedings?
What type of information will I need to provide to my attorney before filing for bankruptcy?
Can I get a loan after filing for bankruptcy?
What is the role of the bankruptcy judge?
What are the requirements for filing for bankruptcy under the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005?
Are there any types of debt that will survive a bankruptcy discharge?
Can I keep my home when filing for bankruptcy?
Can I discharge student loan debt through bankruptcy?
What are some of the long-term effects of filing for bankruptcy?
What kind of debt counseling is available before and after filing for bankruptcy?

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