{"id":286885,"date":"2021-01-25T17:32:08","date_gmt":"2021-01-25T22:32:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/bankruptcy\/before-you-file.html"},"modified":"2024-07-30T13:33:39","modified_gmt":"2024-07-30T18:33:39","slug":"before-you-file","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/before-you-file.html","title":{"rendered":"Before You File for Bankruptcy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
\n
\n \n Before You File for Bankruptcy\n <\/h1>\n \n Learn what bankruptcy can do for you and how to begin the process.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Susan Mills Richmond, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

Deciding to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy can be difficult. Many people take months or years to accept that a bankruptcy filing may be their only way to climb out of debt. Before you file your bankruptcy case, there are several things you should consider.<\/p>\n

It’s essential to do your research before you file for bankruptcy<\/a>. Having a lot of credit card debt doesn’t automatically mean bankruptcy is the answer. Regardless of the type you file, bankruptcy will wreak havoc on your credit score. If the bankruptcy court forces you to file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you must commit to a long-term repayment plan.<\/p>\n

Here, we’ll discuss some things you must consider before starting the bankruptcy process, including:<\/p>\n