What Are the Alternatives to Filing Bankruptcy in New Jersey?

Debtors who have faced obstacles to paying off their debts when due have no doubt received more than their fair share of demanding letters and phone calls, so the thought of filing bankruptcy and getting rid of their debts can be quite appealing. Before making a decision to go that route, which can have long-term effects on credit ratings and the ability to finance large purchases, debtors may wish to consider other, less drastic alternatives.

Informal Methods of Debt Resolution

If the debtor’s financial problems are only temporary, they may want to ask creditors to accept lower payments or to schedule payments over a longer period of time. Creditors might be receptive to these ideas if the debtor has been a prompt payer in the past, or if the specter of bankruptcy is raised, since creditors know that once a bankruptcy proceeding is initiated they will probably collect only a portion of what is owed. In addition, creditors may wish to avoid the difficulties of court proceedings to collect on debts, which can be time-consuming and expensive.

Consumer credit counselors can also help debtors work out repayment plans. Some so-called credit counselors, however, prey on overwhelmed consumers, promising “a clean slate,” often in exchange for a flat, upfront fee. They may promise to contact creditors and convince them to accept lower payments, or to charge lower fees and interest rates. In many cases, unfortunately, the only ones who end up in better financial shape as a result of these “efforts” (or the lack thereof) are the counseling organizations themselves, while the consumers are left with even fewer resources as a result of high fees and more delinquent debts.

Beware of Scams

Although reputable credit-counseling agencies that actually provide valuable services to financially strapped consumers do exist, vulnerable debtors often fall prey to less scrupulous services. Tips that can help consumers avoid being victimized by scams include:

• Beware of promises that sound too good to be true; claims of helping you “get out of debt easily” are red flags.
• Deal with a reputable agency by checking with state consumer agencies and the local Better Business Bureau to make sure there have been no, or few, complaints against the counseling organization and that the complaints that have been raised were favorably resolved.
• Verify that the organization provides counseling and education, as well as debt consolidation and payment services, to help consumers achieve financial stability and remain debt-free.
• Carefully read through and have your lawyer review any written agreement that a credit-counseling organization offers to make sure it describes in detail the services to be provided; the payment terms for these services, including their total cost; how long it will take to achieve the desired results; any guarantees offered; and the organization’s business name and address.
• Avoid paying upfront fees — reputable agencies do not charge big prepaid fees, but they may take small monthly fees for debt-repayment services. Remember that initial consultations should always be free.
• Beware of any high fees or required contributions, like high monthly service charges, that may add to your overall debt load and defeat efforts to pay off bills.

Sometimes a debt-repayment service requires the consumer to periodically send the agency a lump-sum check that the service divides among the creditors. Debtors who enter into these types of arrangements should verify with their creditors that the payments are actually being made.

If a debtor’s financial troubles are long term, or if their creditors will not informally agree to an alternative payment plan, bankruptcy may be the best way for the debtor to get out from under an insurmountable debt load. Although it is not without its adverse consequences, bankruptcy can be the right option to enable some debtors to make a fresh start. Talking through these options with an experienced bankruptcy attorney at Brenner Spiller & Archer can help make sense out of the myriad complex and confusing choices that must be made at an already stressful time.

Contact Our Camden County NJ Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lawyers

If you are overwhelmed by debt and want to know what your options are, including the possibility of filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, speak with the experienced debt management lawyers at Brenner Spiller & Archer today. Contact our New Jersey bankruptcy attorneys online or call 856-963-5000 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your situation. We have four offices conveniently located throughout Central and South Jersey to serve you.