How A Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Can Help You Keep Your Vehicle
You can keep your car, potentially reduce your payments, while eliminating other debts through filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.
Schedule a ConsultationWill I Lose My Vehicle If I File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Many people are under the false impression that they must give up all of their belongings if they file a Chapter 7 debt elimination program. This is simply not the case and in fact in some circumstances, the Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing will actually help you to improve your standing with your creditors. This could be the case with vehicles under a Chapter 7 filing – you have several opportunities to re-negotiate the car loan.
What is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Chapter 7 is a court-authorized debt elimination program that provides full debt relief from your unsecured debts such as:
- Credit cards;
- Medical bills;
- Loan deficiency debt;
- Old utility bills;
- Certain tax debts.
In addition to eliminating debt, the program may offer you the opportunity to renegotiate or lower certain debts, like your vehicle.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and Reaffirmation Agreements
Once the bankruptcy paperwork is filed, we will be contacted by the car lender or creditor. You have the option to surrender the car at no financial penalty or you can keep the vehicle and sign a “re-affirmation agreement”. This states that you will continue to make regular payments on the debt. This is a proposal that is drafted by your lender and sometimes the terms they propose are better than your current contract, such as:
- Reduced Interest Rate;
- Extended terms for the loan;
- Reduction in the value of the vehicle for the balance of the contract.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and 722 Redemption Program
Another option is through 722 Redemption. This program allows you to keep your car by paying the lesser of the amount owed or the fair market value to the creditor In effect, you are buying the vehicle for its current value using third party financing. This is your right under the law.
If we aren’t able to improve upon the terms of the vehicle loan, most of the time the mere fact that you are eliminating other debts that may be impeding your monthly outflow will make your budget more manageable.
The purpose of the Chapter 7 is to:
- Provide court protection from your creditors;
- Eliminate debt that you do not have the ability to pay back and;
- Offer a fresh financial start to begin rebuilding your credit .
Call the Michigan Bankruptcy Experts
At Acclaim Legal Services, we specialize in debt elimination and debt consolidation through the Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 programs. We have an excellent reputation and ability to negotiate with creditors to ensure that you get the best possible outcome.
Call us today at 866-261-8282 to discuss your debt resolution options. With over 50 years of combined legal experience in debt resolution, you can trust us to help you find your path to financial freedom.
We offer free in-office or phone consultations to review your personal circumstances, analyze your situation and advise you on the best course of action. We specialize in bankruptcy law, debt resolution, foreclosure prevention and credit repair. We have offices in Detroit, Southfield, Dearborn, Flint, Ann Arbor, Lansing and Warren, Michigan. Please call us toll free at 866-261-8282 or click here to schedule a consultation right now.
I would like to tell you how pleased I am. The service and manner your office provided was super. After I was started with the Chapter 13 process, I have since told 14+ people about your services. I would also like to mention that in 2010, I ran into Bill Johnson…
What a Wonderful Experience!
I just wanted to take a minute to let you know how very satisfied I am with the way my case was handled. From the very first phone call to the discharge “congratulations” email I received from Cindy Millns. I was scared to death to go…
Five years ago I was in so much debt that I couldn’t think straight. I wasn’t eating or sleeping properly. Then I lost one of my jobs (neither one was paying very much, just a bit over minimum wage). I began to be late on my house notes every month. I got into a car accident which threw me behind…
From one very satisfied customer!
It has been very pleasant to have Chris Jones helping with the bankruptcy process. At first you think you know everything by reading few things here and there from various web sites. Then when you meet Chris in the first 30 minutes you realize that you really…