God's Perspective on Bankruptcy
For all kinds of reasons, people are declaring bankruptcy in record numbers. People used to avoid bankruptcy if at all possible because of the stigma of financial failure. Today, however, it has become more socially acceptable and people are filing for it in droves.
God's Perspective on Bankruptcy
The Bible never prohibits bankruptcy, but it does discourage it. Psalm 37:21 reads, "The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously." We should make every effort to avoid bankruptcy. However, I believe bankruptcy to be permissible for the following reasons:
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1. A creditor forces the borrower into bankruptcy.
2. The borrower experiences such extreme financial difficulties that there is no option. There are occasions when bankruptcy is the only viable option when the financial challenges become too extreme to reverse. That option needs to be exercised only after all others have been explored.
3. If the debtor's emotional health is at stake because of inability to cope with the
pressure of aggressive creditors, bankruptcy can be an option.
The Downside of Bankruptcy
Declaring bankruptcy should not be a quick decision. It remains on a credit report for ten years, and it often impairs the ability to obtain future credit at reasonable interest rates. Potential employers and landlords are also likely to learn of a past bankruptcy. It can haunt people for years, and although it provides relief, it is not the fresh start that some advertise.
Bankruptcy is a relatively complicated legal procedure. Since it is a court-monitored activity, several people are involved including the bankruptcy judge, a trustee, and the person's creditors. Depending upon state law and the form of bankruptcy chosen, people may get to keep some or most of their assets.
Most people are not able to discharge all of their debts through bankruptcy. They are still obligated to pay child support, alimony, most student loans, and taxes they owe. Consulting a bankruptcy attorney will help you sort out all the issues.
Types of Bankruptcy
There are three types of bankruptcy. Chapter 11 is business bankruptcy and Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are the two types of personal bankruptcy.
Chapter 7 is the more radical of the two personal bankruptcies. It provides for complete elimination of personal debt and is sometimes referred to as total liquidation. Any possessions that the law does not allow to be kept are sold, with the cash proceeds going to the creditors. The bankruptcy is then discharged and creditors can no longer try to collect payments. Chapter 7 usually takes three to five months from the date of filing to the final discharge, and it can only occur once in any six-year period.
Chapter 13 involves a reorganization plan that enables people to make repayment according to their income. Foreclosures and collections are suspended while the repayment plan is drafted. A trustee appointed by the court receives a portion of the borrower's income and pays back all or part of the debt-usually over a three-to-five-year timeframe.
In 2005, Congress approved a new bankruptcy law that established a new test for measuring a debtor's ability to repay. If a borrower's income is above the state's median income, the bankruptcy judge can require a Chapter 13 repayment plan. The plan mandates repayment of at least $100 a month for five years to the creditors.
The law also requires people filing for bankruptcy to pay for credit counseling, and restricts homestead exemption to $125,000 in those states that allow debtors to keep their homes.
Top priority among creditors is given to a spouse's claim for child support, and there are special accommodations for active-duty service members, low-income veterans, and those with serious medical conditions. All in all, personal bankruptcy may be an option, but there are many issues you need to understand before proceeding.
What if I've declared bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy can provide the opportunity for people to regain their financial stability. But here's something important to understand: If you've declared bankruptcy, don't carry a load of guilt. Learn what the Lord wants to teach you from the difficult experience. And-are you ready for this-even if you are no longer legally obligated to repay the debts terminated through bankruptcy, you should seek to repay them. That's what God really desires.
Following through and repaying your debts will develop your character and you will be a godly example to your creditors. Interestingly, some of the most successful people I know in business-and in life-have made the hard decision to repay debts extinguished by bankruptcy.
Seek counsel from a competent attorney to determine the legal way to attempt repayment. For large debt, that may be a long-term goal largely dependent on the Lord's supernatural provision of resources.
