 Many people put off filing for bankruptcy because they feel ashamed or embarrassed. They feel like they have failed because they cannot repay their debts. They feel that filing for bankruptcy makes them dishonest or dishonorable or that they will no longer be respected in their community. And while these feelings are very real, they are also very wrong. There are many honest reasons for wanting to file for bankruptcy. Here are a few common reasons that I see in my own practice: Foreclosure Looming: Due to any number of financial hardships, my client’s home is schedule to foreclose. They have tried desperately to work with the lender, but to no avail. They turn to bankruptcy as a last resort in an effort to save their home. There is no dishonor in wanting to keep a roof over your head and that of your family. Lawsuits/ Garnishments: Due to any number of financial hardships, my client’s wages have been or will soon be garnished. They have tried to settle the debt with the creditor, but to no avail. Some creditors can be very aggressive in their collection efforts and they use lawsuits as a weapon to coerce larger and larger payments. If a garnishment is imposed, my client’s stand to lose up to 25% of their net income just to satisfy the single creditor. You might be able to live off of 75% of your income, but I know I certainly cannot. Loss of Employment: With unemployment still hovering at a staggering 9 to 10% (not including those who have given up on the job search), many go long stretches of time without work. They had previously rarely missed a payment. Now that they are back on their feet, these creditors jack up the interest rate making it impossible for my client’s to repay the debt. By and large, my client’s want to repay their debts. But not at 25 to 35% interest. Medical Claims: So often, my client’s encounter unexpected medical expenses. And although most people’s wages have not increased for years, medical costs continue to skyrocket. Even a few days of treatment can result in years of struggling repayment. Bankruptcy laws have been established to protect you from situations just like those mentioned above. You are not a bad person for considering bankruptcy. And you are certainly not alone, if you decide to file.
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