Legal Question in Bankruptcy in Massachusetts
personal bankruptcy
My sister is having a hard time and she owe debt of about 8000-10000. My parents were going to help her pay it all off and she would pay them each week. Now my father wants her to go bankrupt and wont help her. for that little money is it worth going through it and having that on your record. Can you go bankrupt for that amount of money, or is there some kind of minium of what you have to owe.
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: personal bankruptcy
HI.
There is no minimum amount. Is she working? Often times when people are in serious financial disarray, 8,000.00 may as well be a million dollars. I would advise her to find a lawyer that deals with bk and sit down for a free consultation. My firm does bk and you can call us if you need some advice.
Re: personal bankruptcy
It's tough to say whether it's worth it for your sister without knowing more about her: age, employment history, potential for employment and income are among the factors to be considered.
However, since the amount owed is low. She may want to consider credit counseling, or if she has the resources, settling the debt. If these are not good options, keep bankruptcy as the last option.
Re: personal bankruptcy
There is no minimum amount of debt required for one to file for bankruptcy relief. A person may request for bankruptcy relief if she is overwhelmed by her debts and she does not have any other way of resolving the debts. Your sister needs to contact her creditors to see if she can settle the debts for less than the amount owed. If that fails, then she should explore chapter 7 or chapter 13 bankruptcy with a qualified local bankruptcy attorney. You may also contact my office directly for further assistance.