The bankruptcy process can feel overwhelming. Filing for bankruptcy may cause you to struggle with a variety of issues. From stress and anxiety, maybe some depression, and the struggle to make monthly payments, it’s a lot to deal with. Fortunately, bankruptcy attorneys – like myself – can help get you through it!
Check out some tips for coping with stress during bankruptcy, and how to follow your Chapter 13 bankruptcy repayment plan.
Dealing With the Stress of the Bankruptcy Process
Filing for bankruptcy is a stressful time. And the period leading up to deciding to file can be even worse. Dealing with suffocating amounts of debt can leave you depressed and anxious as creditors are calling you for payments, you’re struggling to make ends meet, and more.
There are many ways to overcome this and put your mind back at ease.
- Don’t point fingers: Debt happens, and it can accumulate quickly. You can start to second-guess every purchase you’ve made or start to blame your spouse for their spending. This will not do any good at this point. The truth is, at times we all take on debt to overcome personal circumstances. A lot of these are out of our control. People get sick and medical bills happen as a result. Cars break down. The debt happened for a variety of reasons, and it’s time to look to the future instead of looking backward.
- Know your options: Having a plan for how to move forward from your bankruptcy can help ease your stress and anxiety. Work with your bankruptcy attorney to determine if you should file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy and understand the pros and cons of both.
- Create a budget: You can work with your bankruptcy attorney to establish a budget and create a plan for how to stick to it. This should allow you to cover your ongoing expenses as well as address your bankruptcy obligations without incurring additional debt.
- Check your credit score: While it can be scary, it’s important to know where you stand financially going into the bankruptcy process. Get a copy of your credit report to get the full picture of the debts you owe and see what your credit score is.
- Get help: In addition to hiring an experienced bankruptcy attorney, you should also consider seeking mental health help if you feel you need help overcoming anxiety or depression related to your debt.
How to Make Monthly Payments
One thing that could be causing you stress during the bankruptcy process is figuring out how to follow your monthly repayment plan. The good news is that your repayment plan should be structured based on what you can afford to pay each month.
All of your expenses are taken into account when creating and submitting your repayment plan to the court. It’s then essential to create a budget and stick to it so you can make your monthly payments to the court-appointed trustee on time each month. Failing to do this can put your bankruptcy at risk.
To ensure you make the payments on time, you can set up payroll deductions to ensure the payment arrives each month. You can also set up electronic payments through online payment services, or submit a cashier’s check to the court.
If you are struggling to make your monthly payments, or if an issue occurs that prevents you from making a payment on time one month, it’s essential to contact your bankruptcy attorney as soon as possible so they can help you work with the court.
Let Us Help You Through the Bankruptcy Process
If you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed by filing for bankruptcy or making repayments, get help. Call our lawyers at The Law Offices of Alexzander C.J. Adams, P.C. We will walk you through your options so you can make an informed decision. We work for you, the people, and not institutions. Contact us for a free case evaluation, or no-obligation consultation. We are dedicated to helping you overcome this small bump in the road and assisting you to get on with your life.
