Bankruptcy is a legal procedure that allows an individual or business to have some or all of their debts discharged. It is typically considered as an option of last resort, because while it can stave off financial disaster, it has some substantial long-term consequences warranting careful consideration of the costs and benefits. Since it's a creation of federal law, bankruptcy is handled in federal courts. Therefore, the rules and procedures governing it in Hawaii will be the same as everywhere else in the country. Distinct courts in Honolulu County, Hawaii will have some unique rules, however, so you should consult with a local lawyer before you file.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Honolulu County, Hawaii

There are 2 typical types of consumer bankruptcy in Honolulu County, Hawaii: Chapter 7 and 13. Chapter 7 bankruptcy involves liquidation of some of the debtor's assets. It requires some percentage of the debtor's property to be sold in order to pay off as much of his or her debt as possible. However, the majority of property that most people own is exempt. This typically includes homes, vehicles, insurance policies, and retirement accounts. These do not have to be sold.

Once the non-exempt property is sold, the rest of the dischargeable debt is excused. Some forms of debt, however, is non-dischargeable, including student loans, criminal fines, and others. If most of your debt in Honolulu County, Hawaii is not dischargeable, Chapter 7 may not be the best option.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Honolulu County, Hawaii

Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Honolulu County, Hawaii is markedly different. It may or may not be a better option than Chapter 7, depending on the facts of your specific case. Chapter 13 does not excuse debt, but restructures it instead. Typically, various debts are consolidated into a single monthly payment. This is designed to make the debt more manageable, giving the debtor the chance to pay off the debt over a longer period of time, without all of it coming due at once. This is typically manageable, as long as the debtor can make some sacrifices.

Which Type of Consumer Bankruptcy Should I File in Honolulu County, Hawaii

This depends entirely on the facts of your specific case. If you have a decent amount of stable income, and a large amount of non-exempt property which you don't want to part with, Chapter 13 may be the best option for you. If most of your property is exempt, and you don't have much stable income, Chapter 7 might be the best option.

In any case, you should talk with a local Honolulu County, Hawaii bankruptcy Lawyer. Your Lawyer can advise you of your options and inform you of their likely result. This will make it much easier for your to make an informed choice.