When you are unable to pay your debts, there are usually two options for you. You can look to restructure debts and negotiate with creditors, to gain more time, lessen the interest amount, and repay a lesser amount of the loan. If not, you stand to lose your assets, including your home and car, and professionally relevant equipment, which can be seized to repay your debts. Sometimes, the negotiations with the lenders do not work out as planned, although you can get a lawyer to negotiate on your behalf rather than go the distance alone.

If things do not go as planned, and you are staring at a foreclosure, the next step would be to see if you can get relief under the bankruptcy code. There is often a stigma attached to bankruptcy and this is one reason you might hesitate to take the step. Therefore, it is important to consult Maryland bankruptcy attorneys who can clear any misgivings about the bankruptcy code. The attorney will look at your case, your debts, assets, income, liabilities, and so on. They will inform you about the best course of action - whether you are eligible to file for relief under the bankruptcy code, and what you can expect.

Can you get relief?

Filing for bankruptcy does not do away with all your financial liabilities. You will still be required to pay child support or alimony. Also, you cannot file for bankruptcy if you have already used this procedure within the past few years. Your attorney will therefore ask you some questions during the consultation process.

Your assets and income will also come under scrutiny, so it is best to be honest with your attorney, and let them know about your assets and income. Getting a clear picture of your financial situation will help the attorney come up with the right strategy to protect your interests. Ideally, you should look for Maryland bankruptcy attorneys who have significant understanding of the state bankruptcy code. This is because there are many differences within the codes of different states, and even within state and federal laws.

Protect your house

One of the major reasons to file for bankruptcy is to protect your important assets. Your home is your primary protection, a place for you to rest and feel secure, and a shelter from the elements. A home can also indicate significant investment on your part. Naturally you want to protect your home, not only for yourself but also for your family. Filing for bankruptcy will help you protect your home from foreclosure.

Another aspect is the equipment you can use for carrying on your trade. If your car is very important for your trade, helping you commute to work, then you would want to talk with Maryland bankruptcy attorneys about protecting your car and other trade equipment from being liquidated.

Author's Bio: 

There is a lot you can do to protect your assets and your financial future. You can even restructure your business, and thus repay the debts, under guidance from a bankruptcy attorney Maryland.