Bankruptcy Around the World
Wherever you go in the world, finance is a language that is spoken fluently by some, and a completely indecipherable one for others There is such a wide range of topics connected with finance that a strong command of rules, regulations and options coupled with an ability to recognize money-making opportunities can bestow real purchase power upon an individual However, the world of finance is so fast-moving that if you take your eye off the situation for even a moment, you can end up in serious difficulties No matter where you are in the world, the circumstances that lead to bankruptcy exist And where the circumstances exist, so does the practice Just like in America, people go bankrupt all over the world Many of the practices are much the same - but there are some differences . .In Australia, for example, the process of filing for bankruptcy is largely similar to that in the United States You can commence proceedings yourself, or it can be the subject of a petition from a creditor looking to realize some of their asset - your bad debt - before you become a “won’t pay” customer However, a bankruptcy term in Australia is three years, but with the potential to pay it out If, before the three-year period is up, you can pay the debts off in full the bankruptcy will be annulled This encourages individuals to see bankruptcy as an opportunity to learn sound financial practice It is also possible to raise an Offer of Composition, which pays each creditor a certain percentage of what they are owed If they accept the settlement, the bankruptcy can again be annulled . .In Canada, it is possible to file a consumer proposal as an alternative to bankruptcy if your debt amounts to more than $5,000 and less than $75,000 The higher figure does not include the mortgage on the debtor’s home For debts larger than $75,000, it is necessary to file for bankruptcy under which there are additional rules and requirements, which include the appointment of a “Proposal Administrator” who is given the task of overseeing the debt to ensure that it is fully analyzed In many cases, creditors will choose to accept the consumer proposal even though it generally entails paying a reduced amount, because they will receive less under bankruptcy rules . .In the United Kingdom the Enterprise Act of 2002 made it possible for a bankruptcy to last less than 12 months This has led to a larger number of people filing for bankruptcy and a suspicion that many of those filing are people for whom bankruptcy is simply another financial service However, the banks themselves are markedly reluctant to lend money to a recently bankrupt individual, and in most cases it will take six years for bankruptcy to roll off an individual’s credit record, making it virtually impossible to get credit on anything resembling reasonable terms While some lenders have begun to offer loans and credit cards at prohibitive rates of interest, individuals are strongly discouraged from taking them . .Disclaimer: This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter .
Source: www.rsstnx.com

Debtor's Rights - Credit Report
A bad credit report can prevent you from obtaining credit. If you have trouble obtaining credit, it might be because a credit agency has issued a bad report on you. You might be able to obtain a copy of your report and -if it contains false information - get it corrected. Can I see my credit report? If you are denied credit, you are entitled to a free copy of the consumer credit report that formed the basis of the denial. The creditor is required to tell you the name of the credit reporting agency that prepared the report on you. You must request a copy of your credit report from the agency within sixty days of the denial. The three major credit reporting agencies are: Experian, (800) 301-7195 Equifax, (800) 525-6285 Trans Union, (800) 680-7289 When the creditor tells you the name of the reporting agency that furnished the report, call them to find out their address. Then write a letter to the agency requesting a copy of your report. Even if you have not been denied credit, it is probably a good idea to check your credit report for accuracy periodically. They often contain mistakes, and when you want to get a loan, you may not have time to correct them. Because you haven’t been denied credit, the report isn’t free. The credit reporting agency is allowed to charge you no more than $8.00 for a copy of your report. What information is in a credit report? In general, your credit report will contain information about your credit history during the last seven years. It will show: Whomyou have borrowed money from The amount of the debt Whether or not you made the promised payment on time and in full The identity of any creditor who has requested information about you If you file bankruptcy, the information remains on your credit report for ten years. What if my credit report is incorrect? You have a legal right to challenge the completeness and accuracy of any item in the report. Write a letter to the credit reporting agency explaining that some of the information in the report is incomplete or inaccurate. The agency must investigate your claim - without charge - within thirty days. The agency is required to delete any information that is inaccurate or whose accuracy cannot be verified. If the credit reporting agency’s investigation does not resolve the dispute, you have the right to send the agency a brief statement (generally 100 words or fewer) explaining your position. Your statement will become a part of your credit report and will be disclosed to creditors together with the other information in your file. If you believe a credit reporting agency has violated your rights, contact the Federal Trade Commission or see a lawyer who specializes in consumer rights. Henry Dahut. Please Visit Us at www.GotTrouble.com
Source: www.ArticlePros.com

Bankruptcy Lawyer: Your Final Solution When Running Out Of Options
Before rushing to a lawyer to assist you in filing for bankruptcy, you have to make sure what is bankruptcy and what is not. Only then will you have to find a bankruptcy lawyer that you can work with in filing your case. Many people rush to file for bankruptcy thinking that it will solve their financial problems. The opposite is often true. Declaring your business to be legally bankrupt, only mean that you have done everything you could and there is no way for recovery. It means being deep in debt that it will already be impossible for you to sustain the business. There are kinds and variations to bankruptcy and the legal process will depend very much on where you are coming from but the purpose is the same. Bankruptcy cases will take years to resolve. The court will determine what debts do not have to be repaid and what will be directly deducted from your income. In the interim, credit lines will be closed to you. Your credit history will be tainted and no credit institution will want to do business with you. Back taxes that you owe will still have to be paid and obligations will still be enforced like alimony and child support. When there is no resolution that is possible, finding a good bankruptcy lawyer will then be the only recourse. A good bankruptcy lawyer should be someone you can be comfortable talking with. Someone you can trust and someone who has displayed competence in handling bankruptcy. This is very important as communication between you and the lawyer must be based on trust. There have been so many instances when the client holds back on information that he thinks is not so significant only to learn later on that the piece of information that was withheld posed additional complication to the case. Withholding information from your bankruptcy lawyer pose problems where non existed before. Bankruptcy lawyers can only help the client to the extent of the knowledge that the lawyer has. It is crucial then that the client works with the lawyer. This is in the first place the client?s future that is at stake. Do not hesitate to interview the lawyer prior to retaining him. Ask the lawyer questions and a good lawyer must answer you in a language that you can understand. If you don?t, do not be afraid to clarify statements that could be ambiguous to you. Find out a bankruptcy lawyer that already has an extensive experience in handling bankruptcy cases. Whenever possible find a bankruptcy lawyer who is a specialist. Avoid the generalist, as they may not be able to help you as much. If you feel uncomfortable talking with a particular bankruptcy lawyer, find another one. You can visit the local bar association to find out their recommendation. When you visit your bankruptcy lawyer, bring a list of all the creditors that you owe, including payments to personal loans that you are not left behind and a list of all your assets and liabilities. The more information you provide the bankruptcy lawyer, the better and more accurate the recommendations he will give you. Remember that lawyers can only work as good as the information that you provide. Cooperate well in giving your lawyer the data regarding your case because you are in the best position to give those to him. You also will be the person that will either suffer or benefit from the outcome. Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides bankruptcy lawyer resources on <a href="http://www.your-bankruptcy-lawyer.info">www.your-bankruptcy-lawyer.info</a>.
Source: www.ArticlePros.com