No one likes to see their business go into financial ruin. It’s never a great feeling considering the many financial obligations that are important in running a business. However, it’s part of life and we can do nothing but cope. As it turns out, it’s a part of the unforeseeable ups and downs that need to be factored in when making a business plan.
That said, there are countless reasons why most businesses go bankrupt. It may be due to weak management, loss of running capital, tax-related issues, work-related accidents, and competition to mention but a few. Filing a business bankruptcy is not always your choice but it’s as a result of the aforementioned factors. In a utopian environment, you’d want to make gains in your business in a way that you’ll never have to close it due to financial pressures. But sometimes, it may call for some stringent measures to get you back on track.
With that in mind, below are important things you should know about bankruptcy.
1. It’s Not The End Of The Road
While it might seem like you’ve hit a brick wall when your business goes into financial turmoil, it’s really not the end of the road for you. There are always ways you can turn around the circumstances and come out victorious. In various situations, filing bankruptcy may seem like the best option but fortunately for you, and thank God you came by this article, there are alternative solutions you can pursue to recover lost time, wages, profits, and peace of mind. These include:
- Credit Counseling – Sometimes it might seem like dealing with debtors and negotiating with them is a complete waste of time. But one thing you need to know is that there are people out there who’d be willing to work with you in this front to help resolve these issues. These trusted experts are your way out when it comes to developing a positive attitude in debt management. They’ll also help you to develop payment plans and strategies that you can afford, and that are tailor-made based on your current situation.
- Liquidation – Now, if your profit margins and income aren’t enough to pay off your debtors, then it’s time you came up with extreme bankruptcy measures. It may be time you thought about selling some of your assets. However, you want to ensure that these are assets you can afford to lose. The thing is, the more assets you have in your portfolio, the more you can expect to raise towards paying off your debts.
- Debt Consolidation – It might come as a surprise but in most cases, you’ll not find solutions to your problems when you’re stressed out. Did you ever think that consolidating your debts could help in solving your financial crisis? Well, now you do! Various credit lines will offer you this option and at an affordable rate. Whether it’s a home equity loan or a personal loan from a bank, it could be just what you’ve been looking for to get yourself untangled from your financial mess.
2. You May Be In For Public Scrutiny
This is perhaps the worse that it can get when going through bankruptcy. Most people will not open up about their financial life not only to their friends or families but also to their confidants, their closest partners; their spouses. If you file for bankruptcy, you should prepare yourself to have your private financial life exposed to the least of people you’d have otherwise not have confided in! Bankruptcy schedules are perhaps the most demanding of bankruptcy proceedings because your debtors can ask you any questions and expose you to a public hearing. In addition to this, bankruptcy and insolvency attorneys will ask questions that will seem to infringe on your financial records. While it might seem like an uncomfortable situation, it may be the only way out from constant debtor abuse and mistreatments.
3. Bankruptcy Cases Are Not Always Easy
Well, these are not your usual check in-the-box-form cases. Bankruptcy cases are complex and require a great deal of transparency, ingenuity, and precision. Additionally, it will add value in your case if you consider hiring a bankruptcy and insolvency attorney. Among the qualities you want to be on the lookout for when hiring a bankruptcy attorney include:
- Great communication skills
- Timelessness
- Competency
- Professionalism
- Great representational skills
- Resourcefulness
These are qualities that will enable you to retain the services of a capable bankruptcy attorney. Hiring a bankruptcy attorney will be a huge step that will make a big difference in your bankruptcy case.
Now, there goes everything you needed to know about bankruptcy. It’s not the best of situations but at least it will help to provide you with some leeway from your debtors. But before considering filing for bankruptcy, it’s important that you first consult with a qualified financial advisor or bankruptcy attorney to know your options. Good luck!