Let’s Talk About Reaffirming A Car Loan Or Home Mortgage
For as long as I have been a bankruptcy lawyer (and a dyed-in-the-wool skeptic – my mom was from the Show Me State), I am always surprised to hear when some of the first words from a potential client are that they want to reaffirm their car or mortgage. This is before we’ve even gotten into their financial situation and why they’re thinking of bankruptcy in the first place.
I like to slow down the conversation at that point. We’ll talk about reaffirmation, but I want some other information first.
What Is Reaffirmation In Bankruptcy?
First, reaffirmation only applies in Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Second, reaffirmation typically applies only to secured debts (debts where the creditor can take collateral – such as a car or house – if the debtor doesn’t pay the loan).
I have had clients ask about reaffirming unsecured debts, primarily credit cards, because they wanted to keep a credit card after they filed. I would never advise someone to reaffirm an unsecured debt. The whole point of bankruptcy is to eliminate debt that you can’t afford to pay. Reaffirming a credit card debt would do the exact opposite.
If you are behind on a car loan or home mortgage and you can afford to catch up, you can reaffirm and possibly keep your car or home. If you choose to reaffirm a loan, you agree to be legally obligated to pay the loan, despite filing bankruptcy.
Presuming that the lender agrees to give you time to get caught up on a default, this may be a good reason to reaffirm. But think about this: if you were having a hard time keeping up with your payments before you filed bankruptcy and you are still struggling making ends meet, reaffirmation may be a mistake.
I don’t think it’s a good idea to reaffirm a car loan unless the lender gives you better terms for your loan, such as reducing your interest rate or the total amount you owe.
Most importantly, mortgages for your primary residence do not require reaffirmation. Ever.
If you reaffirm, bankruptcy will not cancel the debt. When you fall behind on a reaffirmed loan, you can get collection calls, be sued, and possibly have your wages garnished or other property taken, such as money in a bank account.
As long as you are up to date on your loan, you may not need to reaffirm to keep your car or home. Some lenders will let you keep your property as long as you continue to make your payments. Sometimes lenders will do so if they think the bankruptcy court will not approve the reaffirmation agreement.
Talk To An Experienced Denver, Colorado Bankruptcy Before You Reaffirm A Car Loan Or Home Mortgage
To learn more about whether or not Chapter 7 bankruptcy or Chapter 13 bankruptcy is your best option, schedule your free, confidential bankruptcy consultation with an experienced Denver, Colorado bankruptcy attorney today. Our online scheduling system allows you to schedule a bankruptcy consultation at a time that is convenient for you.
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