Our clients who come in to see us about their debt problems are genuinely surprised by most of what we tell them. They are especially relieved to hear that, in almost all cases, they can keep everything they have.
I suppose I take a lot for granted decades after I first began helping people with their financial issues. I will sit down with my clients and have a warm, comfortable conversation about their issues and options. After I have explained things, the most common question I get is: “You mean I won’t lose my house?”
I feel self-conscious because this was the most important question they probably had coming into my office and I didn’t address it right away. Of course, the reason for not addressing it right away is because everyone’s circumstances are different, and I want as much information as possible before I make any bold statements. But in almost every case, it is not bold to tell the client they will not lose their house.
Learn About Exemptions
The reason for this lies in a part of the bankruptcy laws called exemptions. These are key to protecting your property.
Exemptions are what you are allowed to keep when you file for bankruptcy in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, the most common kinds of consumer bankruptcy. You can go to our website at GoodByeDebt.com to learn more about exemptions. That is why, in most instances, people can keep their house, their cars, their motorcycles and their furniture.
Before you start believing those rogue internet stories about people losing their houses, take some time and have a relaxed discussion with us here at Steidl and Steinberg. We will explain to you the rules of the game and why, in almost all cases, the things that you own are the things you can keep.