A good bankruptcy attorney will guide clients whether or not to reaffirm a secured debt. There are considerations before a debtor would want to reaffirm a debt. In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the debtor must submit to the court a schedule (Schedule D- Creditors Holding Secured Claims) indicating all of their secured debts (mortgages, vehicle loans, and purchase money loans for furniture, jewelry, or household goods, as well as any other debt for which you have pledged property as collateral to the creditor). In addition to filing a list of all secured debts, Chapter 7 debtor also file a form called the ‘Statement of Intention’.
Q.What is a Statement of Intention?
A.The Statement of Intention is required to be filed in Chapter 7 cases. It is not required in Chapter 13 cases. Statement of Intention is a form completed by the debtor that advises the court, the Trustee, and your creditors what you intend to do with your secured collateral such as your home or car. This document also applies to leases. It must be filed within thirty (30) days after the debtor files a petition under Chapter 7 or on or before the 341(a) Meeting of Creditors. It requires the debtor to state the following:
Q.What is redemption in bankruptcy?
A. In redeeming a debt, a Chapter 7 debtor pays the fair market value of the collateral, usually in one lump sum — in full satisfaction of the debt. This option can be especially helpful when the debtor’s collateral is underwater, meaning the value is less than the loan amount.
Q.What is Reaffirmation in bankruptcy?
A.In reaffirming a debt, the debtor agrees to remain responsible on the debt after bankruptcy and will continue making payments to the creditor, while keeping the collateral. Once the debtor signed the reaffirmation agreement, he or she will have 60 days from the date of the signing or up until the day the court discharges the case, whichever is later, to change his or her mind and withdraw the agreement.
However, once the court enters the Chapter 7 discharge, the agreement is binding and in effect. If the debtor defaults on a reaffirmed debt after the court entered the discharge, the creditor can repossess the collateral and sue the debtor for any deficiency balance, fees and costs.
Q. What are the disadvantages of Reaffirmation Agreements?
A.The following are the disadvantages of reaffirmation agreements:
Q. What are the basic considerations when signing reaffirmation agreement? The following are some tips when signing a reaffirmation agreement: Try to reduce the principal and interest, or stretch out the payment length. This is restructuring the payment terms to be more favorable.
You have 60 days to change your mind.
In California, most secured creditors are willing to let you keep making payments without signing a reaffirmation agreement. Chapter 7 Bankruptcy lawyers often refer to this as the KEEP and PAY OPTION or RIDE THROUGH.
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