Nobody thinks as a child, “I want to be filing for bankruptcy when I grow up,” but it happens to the best of us, especially in this economy. Don’t get down, get educated! The following article will provide you with some very useful tips on getting through and getting over personal bankruptcy.

Many people do not know that student loans are not dischargeable debt under bankruptcy laws. Do not go into your bankruptcy thinking that your student loans will be discharged, because only in cases of extreme hardship are they considered. If the job you received from pursuing your degree will never allow you to pay off your debt, you may have a chance, but it is highly unlikely.

As tempting as it may be, do not run up credit cards right before filing for bankruptcy. Many times, people purchase expensive items, like jewelry, appliances and furniture right before they know they are going to file for bankruptcy. Most of the time, they are still going to be responsible for paying back this debt.

Find out what the homestead exemption limit is in your state before filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If you have too much equity in your home to qualify for the exemption, you could lose your house in the bankruptcy. You can’t change your mind once you’ve begun the process, so make sure you will be able to keep your home before you file.

Be aware that most bankruptcy lawyers will offer a free consultation. Take advantage of that and meet with several of them. If it’s handled in 15 minutes or less, if you meet with the assistant instead of the lawyer, or if you’re pressured to sign up immediately in person or by phone, go somewhere else.

Many times, when a debtor files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, their home can be protected. This is because of the homestead exemption. This exemption can protect the home, if the debtor owes below a certain threshold. Laws concerning this exemption do vary between states. Be sure to consult with a bankruptcy attorney before, assuming your home is safe from liquidation.

Before you file for bankruptcy, make sure that you hire the services of an experienced local bankruptcy attorney. Hiring a bankruptcy attorney who’s located geographically close to you will mean that you can contact him or her with ease. You will then be able to meet up with your attorney in person, in order to discuss your petition in greater detail.

If you have co-signers on car loans, or others who are responsible for your bills, consider filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy if you want to help them. If you file for Chapter 7, you may not have to pay anymore, but they are still responsible. Talk to the people involved, and think carefully before making a choice.

Bankruptcy is not the end of the world. In fact, you might want to look at it as a beginning. The start of better days ahead, free from so much of the stress and burden of overwhelming debt. Hopefully, this article will help see you through the process and on to a brighter financial future.