Friday, March 26, 2010

A Fresh Start to a Bright Financial Future

While working on the electric light bulb Thomas Edison was asked by a reporter, “How does it feel to have failed seven hundred times?”

Edison replied, “I have not failed seven hundred times. I have not failed once. I have succeeded in proving those seven hundred ways will not work. When I have eliminated the ways that will not work, I will find the way that will work.”

As businessman Harvey Mackay says, “Failure is an attitude, not an outcome.”
When a person makes a decision to file bankruptcy, the decision is largely based on a recognition that something hasn’t worked and changes need to be made. Fortunately, the bankruptcy laws provide the tools to make those financial changes. Through bankruptcy you can have a fresh start at a new financial life without the burdens of overwhelming debt. The Supreme Court has stated many times that “[t]he principal purpose of the Bankruptcy Code is to grant a ‘fresh start’ to the honest but unfortunate debtor.” Marrama v. Citizens Bank of Massachusetts.

Does the fresh start work? Yes! A study by the Executive Office of the United States Trustee found that “[m]ost chapter 7 debtors have a substantial negative net worth at filing, but have a small positive net worth after discharge.” Bankruptcy works to put you on the right financial track with the hope for a better tomorrow.

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy releases the debtor from personal liability for certain types of debts. Unsecured debts (usually the most burdensome type like high interest credit card debt and medical bills) are discharged by the bankruptcy case without payment. The discharge is a court-ordered injunction that prohibits your creditors from collecting from you in the future. The creditor can no longer call, write, or take any collection action against you.

If you are ready for a fresh start, speak with an experienced bankruptcy attorney and discover how the federal bankruptcy laws can help. An experienced bankruptcy attorney can explain your legal options and help you find a way that works for a bright financial future.

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