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LIFE AFTER BANKRUPTCY

John E. Pytte March 3, 2022

Filing for bankruptcy can help individuals, families, and business owners facing financial distress achieve debt relief or get a deserved financial clean slate. However, it is crucial that you know what to expect and the long-term implications of bankruptcy on your finances, credit report, and future. A skilled Georgia bankruptcy attorney can help you understand what life post-bankruptcy would be like and help you make informed decisions.

At Pytte Law, I have the experience, diligence, and resources to advise and guide clients through the complicated Georgia bankruptcy proceedings. I'm available to discuss your unique financial situation, enlighten you about how bankruptcy can affect your future, and help you become informed and prepared. Pytte Law proudly serves clients throughout Savannah, Richmond Hill, Hinesville, Ludowici, Effingham County, Liberty County, and Wayne County, Georgia.

Creditor Harassment

Under the law, creditors and debt collectors can interact reasonably with debtors to recover the money being owed. This may be done through calls, texts, demand letters, and emails at reasonable intervals. However, creditors are prohibited from contacting debtors using intimidating, threatening, and deceptive techniques. 

According to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), it is illegal for a creditor or debt collection agency to harass, abuse, oppress, or threaten the debtor or anyone they contact in an attempt to recover debts. In the event that a creditor violates the FDCPA, you should inform an experienced attorney immediately. Your attorney can take necessary legal action against the non-compliant creditor and may be able to recover monetary damages.

Credit Report

Your credit score is based on your credit history, including your account type, payment history, the amount owed, and other factors. Unfortunately, filing for bankruptcy will reduce your credit score to anywhere between 160 and 220 points. This ultimately turns a good credit rating into a fair or poor one. As a result of your poor or fair credit score, you may encounter difficulties when seeking a home loan, auto loan, or credit card.

Furthermore, filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy will remain on your credit report for up to ten years, while Chapter 13 can stay on your credit report for up to seven years. The bankruptcy petition will be displayed in the public records section of your credit report where potential lenders will be able to see the information.

Fixing Your Credit

Though filing for bankruptcy reduces your credit score, you can start rebuilding your creditworthiness straightaway. Here are some steps to fix your credit score:

  • Check your credit report to ensure accuracy.

  • Understand what constitutes the credit score.

  • Monitor your credit score regularly.

  • Apply for new credit.

  • Practice responsible credit habits, such as making timely payments and reducing your credit card use.

  • Get a secured credit card.

  • Keep your balances low.

  • Consider applying for a credit-builder loan.

  • Use a co-signer to qualify for a loan.

  • Become an authorized user.

Once your debts have been discharged, you can start rebuilding your credit score, and it will improve steadily. An experienced attorney can advise you on how to repair your credit score and improve your financial situation post-bankruptcy.

Get Experienced Legal Counsel

Filing for bankruptcy is quite common in Georgia, and this isn't something to be scared of or ashamed of. According to statistics from the American Bankruptcy Institute’s Bankruptcy Filing Trends, there were 27,953 total business and non­‐business bankruptcy filings in Georgia in 2020. These consumers didn't go through it alone, and neither should you. Therefore, when considering filing for bankruptcy, you need to speak with a knowledgeable attorney for detailed guidance and to understand what to expect.

At Pytte Law, I'm dedicated to offering advocacy to clients in bankruptcy-related matters. As your legal counsel, I can evaluate your unique financial situation, explore your available legal options, and help decide whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy is right for you. Also, I can help file your bankruptcy forms, represent you during court proceedings, and guide you through the legal process from start to finish.

Additionally, I will negotiate with your creditors on your behalf to create a feasible repayment arrangement for your unique financial situation. I will also help address any ongoing creditor harassment and take necessary action against any non-compliant creditor. Using my extensive experience, I will craft a strategic plan to rebuild your credit, avoid common drawbacks, and build a stable financial roadmap for you.

Contact my firm – John E. Pytte | Your Georgia Debt Relief Specialist – today to schedule a simple case assessment with a well-informed bankruptcy attorney. I can offer you the detailed legal guidance and strong advocacy you need to navigate key decisions before and after you file your bankruptcy petition. My firm proudly serves clients throughout Savannah, Richmond Hill, Hinesville, Ludowici, Effingham County, Liberty County, and Wayne County, Georgia.