Reaffirmation Lets You Keep Your Car After Bankruptcy

If you have a vehicle and are filing for bankruptcy, you may want to reaffirm the lease/loan so that you can keep the vehicle. Many people hesitate on filing for bankruptcy because they do not know what will happen to their car which is their primary means of getting around. People who have continuing and steady income may have the ability to repay their debts when a repayment plan is established allowing them to retain their vehicle under a Chapter 13, referred to as a reorganization bankruptcy. When people file for Bankruptcy under Chapter 7, known as a liquidation bankruptcy, the "non-exempt" assets are liquidated and the proceeds used to pay their debts. Eligible debts which cannot be paid are then discharged. If the eligible debt is secured by a vehicle then upon discharge the creditor will get the vehicle back. The Debtor has the option however of reaffirming the lease or loan which then becomes a new contract, which cannot be withdrawn. Through reaffirmation, the debtor enters into a new contract with the creditor to make payments in exchange for retaining the vehicle. Assumption of a vehicle lease or loan may or may not be allowed by the bankruptcy court, especially if it is a lease or loan payment that is not affordable. Assumption may be beneficial under certain circumstances. If the payments on the vehicle are current and the interest rate and the monthly payments are low and affordable which may not be available if dealing with a new creditor right after a bankruptcy. If it is a lease and the purchase price of the vehicle at the end of the lease contract is reasonable then an assumption may be beneficial. However, you may be better off walking away from the unexpired lease and allowing the vehicle to be taken if the permissible amount of mileage was exceeded and you cannot afford to catch up on the missed payments. If you are thinking about filing bankruptcy you should consult with an experienced foreclosure attorney immediately in order to protect your rights. For more information regarding bankruptcy and reaffirming your vehicle loan or lease, foreclosure, or other consumer debt related matters in New Jersey visit TheNJBankruptcyAttorney.com. This blog is for informational purposes only and is in no way intended to replace the advice of an attorney regarding your specific matter. Our law firm is a debt relief agency and helps people file for bankruptcy relief.