Chapter 7 – What Happens to My Credit Score if I File Bankruptcy?

An excerpt from Attorney Peter Francis Geraci’s “The Complete Book on Bankruptcy.”

Below is an excerpt from Attorney Peter Francis Geraci’s “The Complete Book On Bankruptcy.” You can read the rest of the book online at https://www.bankruptcybookbypeterfrancisgeraci.com/.

CHAPTER #7 What happens to my credit score if I file bankruptcy?

Strangely, it usually goes up. Most of our clients have a credit score of below 600. Four months after filing Chapter 7, you should receive a discharge. You then have a creditor report that shows way less debt, and that you received a Chapter 7 discharge. If you are working, now you are not under pressure to pay bills you cannot pay, and can start saving. You also cannot file Chapter 7 for another 8 years, or in a Chapter 13 for another 4 years. So the lenders think you are a pretty good risk for lending, since you have little debt, and no ability to file bankruptcy, and a job. Your credit score can go up as much as 100 points.

If you had a credit score of 700 or more, and filed bankruptcy, it was a phony score, since you were overloaded with debt. Even so, after a Chapter 7 discharge, it may not change much, or it may go back up.

Regardless of credit score, after you receive a Chapter 7 or 13 discharge, you will find yourself able to buy a vehicle or house if you have the right job and down payment. The key is to save up a down payment, and not get overloaded again.

Take our Debtor Education Course taught by attorney Peter Francis Geraci as soon as you file for either Chapter 7 or 13. Or even before filing for $25. It will help you understand how to raise your credit score.

If you need help or have questions – our experienced staff is ready to help. Dial 1-800-CALL-PFG for a free phone mini-consultation, or make an appointment online 24/7 at www.infotapes.com. Bankruptcy laws are in place to help you. Who knows bankruptcy like Geraci Law? Geraci Law has 25,000 5-star reviews since November 2016!

Are Your Financial Goals Out of Reach?

Struggling with debt and tired of owing? Bankruptcy might be the BEST option for you to get on financial track!

Are Your Financial Goals Out of Reach?

Do you have financial goals? Do you want to own a car? Own a house? Be able to save for retirement? If you owe a substantial amount of debt – these goals can be out of reach. No one plans on becoming inundated with debt – but sometimes life happens and you simply get in over your head.

Not being prepared for the UNEXPECTED can cause debt to snowball and savings to dwindle. Sometimes it’s bad luck, sometimes its job loss, currently it’s a pandemic causing havoc on everyone’s wallets. So what do you do if you owe money and have financial goals?

Cut Expenses

Financial planners may say to cut out the unnecessary expenses and live within a budget. That’s great advice – living within a budget AFTER you get out of debt can help you stay on financial track to meet your goals.

Cutting expenses may not help if you are ALREADY overburdened with debt. If you have $20,000 balance with 18% interest – paying the minimum balance will take over SIXTEEN years to pay off the balance. Think about the past 16 years – were your finances stable? Did you work the same job with the same expenses with no unexpected expenses? Probably not.

Debt consolidation

Debt consolidation or debt settlement is a common choice for people with debt. Companies advertise cutting minimum payments and interest rates with the promise of LOWERING the monthly bill.

The reality is debt consolidation or settlement does NOT work for people with a large amount of debt and low amount of savings. You could pay the consolidator thousands for the “service” and be in debt even longer. Your credit score is STILL negatively affected. There’s NO protection for you if the bill collector rejects the proposal and decides to sue any way.

Bankruptcy

With bankruptcy you are using FEDERAL LAW to get control of your finances. Chapter 7 bankruptcy eliminates your unsecured debt and a Chapter 13 is a court supervised repayment (or consolidation) of your debt. You are using federal laws put in place to help YOU.

Think about your financial goals. After filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you have a fresh start. If you create a budget and stick to it, you could have a savings account. So when the unexpected happens, you do not have to rely on credit to make it. If bad luck happens – you do not need to use the credit card to buy groceries. SAVING money is a very powerful thing.

Chapter 13 is ONE monthly payment to cover your bills. Unlike consolidation – a Chapter 13 is structured into a 3-5 year repayment plan. It will NOT go longer than that. If the unexpected happens during your Chapter 13 – that’s why you have Geraci Law on your side. We’re a phone call away to adjust your plan if necessary.

If you want to talk about your financial goals and your debt – Geraci Law is here. We offer free consultations with our experienced attorneys to give you options for your debt.

Dial 1-800-CALL-PFG for a free phone mini-consultation, or make an appointment online 24/7 at www.infotapes.com. Bankruptcy laws are in place to help you. Who knows bankruptcy like Geraci Law? Geraci Law has 25,000 5-star reviews since November 2016!

Read ALL ABOUT DEBT RELIEF at www.bankruptcybookbypeterfrancisgeraci.com.

Driver’s License Suspensions & Bankruptcy

Worried about a driver’s license suspension? Call Geraci Law!

Driver’s License Suspensions & Bankruptcy

Is your driver’s license suspended for unpaid parking tickets? Are you worried about a judgment from an uninsured car accident? Look no further – Geraci law might have your solution!

Driver’s license suspensions for speeding, criminal or moving violations are NOT solved with bankruptcy. However if your license is suspended for any of the following, you should call Geraci Law NOW to help:
– Parking tickets
– Red light tickets
– Toll way violations
– Uninsured car accidents

Filing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy will consolidate the debt into an affordable monthly payment. You can reinstate your driver’s license BEFORE the case is discharged. With Geraci Law – most Chapter 13 cases can be filed for NO MONEY DOWN if you are working full time.

If you have City of Chicago parking tickets, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy could help. You can eliminate any other debt like credit cards, medical bills and then Geraci Law will help you with the Fresh Start program. Read more at Chicago’s Fresh Start Program

Read ALL ABOUT DEBT RELIEF at www.bankruptcybookbypeterfrancisgeraci.com.

Geraci Law Offices Open 6/8!

Geraci Law offices are opening NEXT week! Schedule a time to meet with our expert attorneys!

Geraci Law is ready to meet you (safely) in person! Our offices are opening the week of 6/8. If you want to review your options or if you have questions – we’re here for you. Bankruptcy is complicated and you need an expert like Geraci Law attorneys on your side.

Video Meeting

We’re available to meet the same day or anytime between 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (central standard time).
You only need a smart phone!
To schedule a video meeting, you can:
- Go ONLINE at https://www.infotapes.com/Bankruptcy/OfficeLocator
- Call us at 800.401.4010 – our experts are available to answer your questions

In Person Meeting

We are available Monday-Friday – appointments are SCHEDULED to keep you and our staff safe.
We have masks, gloves and pens for EVERYONE!
You can schedule an person meeting by calling us at 800.401.4010.

Read ALL ABOUT DEBT RELIEF at www.bankruptcybookbypeterfrancisgeraci.com.

Geraci Law Offices Opening Safely SOON

Attorney Frank Heranndez meets safely wearing a mask at the Geraci Law Berwyn office. Need help? Our offices are opening soon!

Geraci Law Offices Opening Safely SOON

Some Geraci Law offices are open for in person meetings. We require EVERYONE to wash their hands when entering our offices. We also provide masks and gloves to everyone we meet with. We are by APPOINTMENT only so schedule yours today.

Geraci Law video meetings are ALSO available. Our attorneys are available Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. We can help you whether in person or in the comfort of your own home! Safety for our staff and clients is our priority.

Read ALL ABOUT DEBT RELIEF at www.bankruptcybookbypeterfrancisgeraci.com.

Credit Concern? Call Geraci Law!

Banks are cutting access to credit. Are you overwhelmed with bills? Are you worried about debt? Call Geraci Law.

Credit Concern? Call Geraci Law!

Have you noticed your available credit is cut? Did you see an account get closed? Credit card companies are cutting available lines of credit. Over 30 million people applied for unemployment as a result of the pandemic.

With the number of people unemployed, banks consider credit too big of a risk. So if you are late with payments, if you haven’t used the card – odds are the credit line will be cut.

If you are RELYING on credit to get you to the next paycheck, it’s not a great long term plan anyhow. Instead consider bankruptcy.

The cash you are spending on minimum payments that is NOT paying off the balances with interest could be the money you have as a safe hold. Create a budget and stick to it but you can’t create a budget until you deal with the past due balances.

Filing for bankruptcy is a FASTER way to handle your debt. Credit counseling, making minimum payments will cost you THOUSANDS in interest and it could take YEARS to pay off the balances. Your credit score still takes a hit and typically will take LONGER to get on the path to rebuilding.

You do NOT need credit cards. Realigning your budget and using a debit card could save you thousands. If you want a credit card, then pay it off every month. Only use the credit card for what you can pay off so you can AVOID interest. That timely payment every month can help you reestablish a payment history.

So if your credit line is cut, if your cards are maxed out, if you are simply overwhelmed by the debt – call us. It’s a free conversation that can change your life for the better.

Read ALL ABOUT DEBT RELIEF at www.bankruptcybookbypeterfrancisgeraci.com.

5 Chapter 7 Common Questions

Geraci Law wants to be a resource to you during these uncertain times. Here are answers to five common questions about filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Read previous posts about unanswered questions about Chapter 13 bankruptcies (5 Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Myths, What Can a Chapter 13 Do for Me?).

Will I lose my house or my car?

It’s important to meet with an attorney. Geraci Law does not want you to “lose” anything you do not want to lose. There are several factors in determining if you KEEP your house and car:

How much equity is in the house?
How many people are on title to the house?
Are you current with your payments?

These are some of the questions you will review with your attorney. The reason you hire an EXPERIENCED law firm like Geraci Law is to make sure you can keep what you want to keep. If your house is at risk, we’ll talk about alternative options like a Chapter 13. Geraci Law will provide your options to protect what you worked for.

Can I buy a house or car after filing a Chapter 7?

Filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy does not determine your financial future. Instead, it eliminates your CURRENT debt. Geraci Law clients have gone on to purchase homes, cars, boats, etc. The FIRST step before buying a house, car or any other asset, is to deal with your PRESENT debt. Solve that problem first and then save money for a down payment. Geraci Law will do anything we can to help you get on track to achieve your financial goals.

How much does bankruptcy cost?

The short answer is it’s a LOT LESS than your current debt most times. Geraci Law can file cases for no money down. We will work with you on payment plans that fit your budget. We will work with you to figure out a plan to get you out of debt. For fee quotes, call us. Let’s talk to figure out a plan.

Can I file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy if I am working?

YES! Many Chapter 7 filers are employed. Geraci Law can help you if you are working full-time, part-time, unemployed, disabled or retired. Talking with an experienced Geraci Law attorney can help determine your Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 options based on your income, expenses a debt.

I filed before – how long do I have to wait before I can file another Chapter 7?

It is an eight year wait from the date you filed your previous Chapter 7. You eligibility is determined by the date when your Chapter 7 was FILED not discharged. If it has NOT been eight years, you can review your options for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Read ALL ABOUT DEBT RELIEF at www.bankruptcybookbypeterfrancisgeraci.com.

Chapter 3 – What Causes People to Need to File Bankruptcy

An excerpt from Attorney Peter Francis Geraci’s “The Complete Book on Bankruptcy.”

Chapter 3 – What Causes People to Need to File Bankruptcy

Below is an excerpt from Attorney Peter Francis Geraci’s “The Complete Book On Bankruptcy.” You can read the rest of the book online at https://www.bankruptcybookbypeterfrancisgeraci.com/.

CHAPTER #3 WHAT CAUSES PEOPLE TO NEED TO FILE BANKRUPTCY

This is an easy one. Because most stuff other than bankruptcy is fraudulent. That means someone somewhere, on the internet, or maybe in Russia, or maybe your own bank, wants your money, and will say anything to get it.

1. “bill consolidation” is usually a fraud scheme There is no way to “consolidate” all your bills into one lower payment you can afford, pay your vehicles and mortgage and tax debt first, and stop every single creditor from bothering you, adding late charges, or suing you. No way. None. Nada. Except for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Oh, there’s that word again “bankruptcy.”

2. “Loan modification” Fraud schemes like “Legal Helpers Loan Modification” just stole people’s money and disappeared with millions. Banks usually string you along for months and lose your paperwork, making things worse. Then all they do is take your 30 year loan and turn it into a 40 year loan to “get” you a lower payment. Great, now you’ll die before you pay them off and they’ll get your house back after collection mostly interest payments.

3. “Credit Counseling” Possibly the worst fraud. Some of them pose as law firms. Some are “lawyers” who really should be in jail. Being a lawyer makes them try to take as much as the first year’s payments up front as fees”. They usually last a year before getting indicted and put out of business.

4. “Debt settlement” Definitely the worst. Run, do not walk, as fast as you can from these skunks. Legal Helpers Debt Resolution” and others stole $50 million or more and faded into the night. Their imitators are still around, and so are the lawyers involved. They only lost their law licenses for a couple years. Nice payday on your money!

All these schemes play on your guilty, embarrassment and confusion. They can’t stop late fees, repossessions, lawsuits, foreclosures, license suspension, or anything else. So, beware of “bill consolidation, mortgage modifiers, debt settlement and credit counseling”. We usually see folks who have paid $3,000 to $5,000 to bill consolidators, and have nothing to show to it, when they could have filed Chapter 7 or 13 and really solved their problems and gotten a true fresh start.

Bankruptcy is very predictable. Everything is in writing, and while there are a lot of stupid lawyers who do lose $3000 or $5000 of their client’s money in Chapter 7’s, and take Chapter 13 cases that fail quickly after they get paid, Geraci Law does not engage in shady practices. So why pay the same, and not get the name? Ask your friends and family, and even your boss at work. Chances are they’ll say, “talk to Geraci Law.”

Read ALL ABOUT DEBT RELIEF at www.bankruptcybookbypeterfrancisgeraci.com.

Geraci Law Virtual Meetings

Geraci Law is handling meetings remotely. We make the process hassle-free. You do not need a computer – a cell phone will work for a virtual consultation!

Geraci Law Virtual Meetings

Geraci Law is working remotely and ready to help! Below are attorney meetings being conducted remotely. You do NOT need a computer to do a video meeting! A cell phone with a web camera works great.

If you schedule an appointment, we send you a link. All you have to do is click on the link to open up the FREE consultation with an experienced Geraci Law attorney. It’s really that easy.

Geraci Law Milwaukee & Racine Wisconsin Attorneys from the top, right to left – Attorney Rob Brynjelsen, Attorney Ann Kramer, Attorney Felicia Petroff, Attorney Kathryn MacKenzie, Attorney Andy Golanowski, Attorney Brent Berning, Attorney Joseph Blaha, Attorney Abraham Pinon, Attorney Robert Crowley, Attorney Peter Francis Geraci, Attorney Lisa Ellmaurer

Geraci Law Indianapolis & Muncie Indiana Attorneys from the top, right to left – Attorney Rob Brynjelsen, Attorney Erik Dickinson, Attorney Lacey Faul, Attorney Bridget Spears, Attorney Robert (Bob) Fine, Attorney Peter Francis Geraci, Attorney Anthony Shull, Attorney Chad Garrapy, Attorney Patrick McNulty

Read ALL ABOUT DEBT RELIEF at www.bankruptcybookbypeterfrancisgeraci.com.

Questions? Geraci Law Has Answers.

Geraci Law is a bankruptcy law firm ready to answer YOUR questions about finances.

Financial help can be hard to find. Reliable financial help is an even MORE difficult search. When you have questions – where do you go for answers? A google search will provide answers but you have no idea if those answers are from a reliable source.

Geraci Law CAN be that resource to you. With over 35 years of bankruptcy experience, Geraci Law has seen it all. Our experienced staff can help answer your questions. If we can help you – you can expect nothing but EXCEPTIONAL service.

If we cannot help you, we will give you alternative options. You do not hire a single attorney but an entire law firm to advocate for and represent you.

Worried about the word bankruptcy? You should not be. Bankruptcy can change your life for the BETTER. Filing a Chapter 7 can:

ELIMINATE debt
KEEP your house
KEEP your car
KEEP your retirement

After a Chapter 7 is discharged, you are debt free and on a path to IMPROVING your credit. Meeting with a Geraci Law attorney can help determine what makes the most sense for you and your family.

The best part? You get world class service and pay the same. Almost ALL bankruptcy fees are the same.

You will NOT speak to a voicemail but a live person.
Appointments are with ATTORNEYS
You are represented from START to FINISH!
Access to Client Corner – Geraci Law exclusive portal for clients to review and see the status of their case.

If you have questions – we have answers. You can either call us at 800 CALL PFG or you can schedule a free meeting online with an experienced Geraci Law attorney. Let Geraci Law help you clear the confusion. A free consultation is hassle-free and could be the first step to your financial future.

Read ALL ABOUT DEBT RELIEF at www.bankruptcybookbypeterfrancisgeraci.com.

CHAPTER #7 What happens to my credit score if I file bankruptcy?

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Are Your Financial Goals Out of Reach?

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Driver’s License Suspensions & Bankruptcy

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Geraci Law Offices Opening Safely SOON

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Credit Concern? Call Geraci Law!

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5 Chapter 7 Common Questions

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Chapter 3 – What Causes People to Need to File Bankruptcy

CHAPTER #3 WHAT CAUSES PEOPLE TO NEED TO FILE BANKRUPTCY

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Geraci Law Virtual Meetings

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