Declaring bankruptcy has numerous benefits, including protection from creditors and financial institutions. More so, a successful application gives you time to organize and pay off what you owe at a reasonable rate and timeline. However, success is only possible if you complete specific requirements. Therefore, if you're planning to submit a chapter 13 bankruptcy application, contact a legal advisor to know your obligations. They will ask you to take the following essential measures to ensure success.

Hire an Attorney to Help You Through the Process

Bankruptcy laws are complex and challenging to understand. Therefore, you will likely be unsuccessful if you declare bankruptcy without legal help. However, when you hire a lawyer to assist you through the process, they will ensure that you understand what is happening in your case. More importantly, they will guide you through the application process to ensure that you take the right steps. For instance, your attorney will ensure you provide all the documents the court requires. They will also assist you in filling out the paperwork so that you provide accurate information.

With this in mind, you should know that you are also responsible for ensuring that your attorney is successful in the quest to assist you. As such, you should keep them informed on the events in your life throughout the application process. This includes salary changes, lawsuit proceedings, received insurance payments, and any gifts and assets you inherit. Note that if you keep your attorney updated, they will know the measures to take to ensure that you don't fail to qualify for bankruptcy.

Do Not Sell Property without the Court's Approval

You will need to follow all bankruptcy laws to succeed in your application. This includes seeking approval before selling your cars, jewelry, homes, or other assets. You need to understand that the judge might assume you're trying to deceive the court if you sell assets without permission. Consequently, they might deny your application or even punish you for dishonesty. This explains why you should always seek the court's consent before selling your belongings. In this case, your lawyer will inform the court that you will sell an asset to settle an emergency. In addition, your attorney will advise you not to incur debt, use your credit card, or enter leases if under chapter 13 bankruptcy. This will prevent you from jeopardizing your qualification.

A successful chapter 13 application starts with understanding your obligations. This is why you should consult a bankruptcy attorney before filing under this chapter. They will advise you on the steps to ensure your application goes through on the first try.