How We Help
WHAT IS BANKRUPTCY?
IS IT TIME TO CONSIDER GETTING HELP WITH YOU DEBT?
One of the first questions we get from clients facing financial difficulties is, “What is bankruptcy?”. When the time comes that you need help with debt, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of what bankruptcy is and the other alternative solutions available to you. In simple terms, bankruptcy is a legal process that will help you free yourself from parts of your debt, allowing you a fresh financial start. All bankruptcy proceedings in Canada are governed by the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, which the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy oversees.
Many clients believe that bankruptcy is the only available option for them. Our team will work with you to clearly understand your financial situation and recommend which debt solution is best for you. If you face any of the following economic concerns, contact us today to book your free consultation.
- Are you spending more money than you are earning?
- Are you receiving calls from collection agents?
- Are your credit card bills piling up, and you cannot pay them?
- Most importantly, are your finances causing you stress?
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above questions, it might be time to speak with a licensed trustee about what options are available to you to ease your financial distress.
STOP THE COLLECTION PROCESS
Bankruptcy and consumer proposals are legal processes that provide relief from debt. When filing for bankruptcy, a debtor must owe a minimum of $1,000 and be unable to pay their debts as they become due. A consumer proposal is available to those debtors (individuals) that owe less than $250,000, excluding residential mortgages, and can complete the terms of the proposal within five years. Assets do not vest (belong) to the Administrator. A certified professional must file either option, such as Fox-Miles & Associates Licensed Insolvency Trustee in Edmonton.
How Long Does Declaring Bankruptcy Take?
The personal bankruptcy process is a minimum of nine months, whereas the consumer proposal terms can extend up to five years. Either process initiates a “Stay of Proceedings,” which stops the collection process except for secured creditors. Section 178 of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act lists debts that “survive” bankruptcy, which include but are not limited to: court fines, alimony, child maintenance, obligations arising from fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, and student loans (if you have been a student in the last seven years).
FINANCIAL OPTIONS
Depending on your financial situation, the following options are available:
- Do nothing and allow creditors/bill collectors to catch up to you
- Consolidate debts
- Orderly payment of debt (available in some provinces)
- Consumer proposal
- Personal bankruptcy
In Alberta, the following items are exempt from seizure:
- Household furniture and appliances, $4,000
- Clothing and personal effects, $4,000
- Motor vehicle, $5,000 equity
- Tools of trade, $10,000 equity
- House (occupied), $40,000
- RRSPs
Effects on Your Credit Rating
Filing a bankruptcy or a proposal does affect your credit rating and is kept on your credit rating for a certain period, up to six years. Most individuals can get loans after bankruptcy, provided they qualify for the loan according to the financial institutions’ qualifications.
Some financial institutions want to wait a period after the bankruptcy before considering granting unsecured loans to individuals.
Remember that you are rebuilding your credit rating if you continue to pay your house mortgage or car loan.