Your Home in Bankruptcy

How to Protect Your Home in Bankruptcy

Find out what happens to your home in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Learn about filing for bankruptcy when you're behind on your mortgage payments and what it means to "exempt" equity in your home.

Can I Keep My Home in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

Keeping your home in Chapter 7 bankruptcy is possible if you meet all requirements. Learn why you must be able to protect your home equity, be current on the payment, and remain current after bankruptcy.

How Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Affects Mortgages and Foreclosure

Learn about the options you have for dealing with your mortgage or foreclosure in Chapter 13 bankruptcy, including catching up on arrearages and stripping off junior liens.

What Happens With a HELOC in Bankruptcy?

A home equity line of credit, or "HELOC," is a line of credit borrowed on an “as needed" basis. Learn why a HELOC is treated differently in bankruptcy depending on the chapter filed and whether you can or want to keep the home securing it.

Your Home in Bankruptcy: The Homestead Exemption

Learn about an important bankruptcy exemption for homeowners -- the homestead exemption.

Should I Refinance Before or After Bankruptcy?

Discover your options if you are considering bankruptcy but would like to refinance your mortgage and lower your rate, including whether it's best to refinance before or after bankruptcy.

Should You File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Before or After Foreclosure?

Deciding whether to file for Chapter 7 before or after foreclosure can be confusing. Learning the pros and cons of each approach, and consulting a bankruptcy lawyer, can help you select the strategy right for you.

Can I File an Emergency Bankruptcy Petition to Stop a Foreclosure Sale?

When you don't have time to prepare the entire bankruptcy petition, an emergency or "skeleton" bankruptcy petition will trigger the automatic stay and stop foreclosure. Filing the remaining documents within 14 days will avoid dismissal.

Using Bankruptcy When Facing Foreclosure

Learn how filing for bankruptcy affects a foreclosure.

Should I File for Bankruptcy If I Have Equity in My Home?

If you have equity in your home, the state or federal homestead exemption available to you, the bankruptcy chapter you qualify to file, and your financial circumstances will determine whether bankruptcy is a good idea.

Should I Still Pay My Mortgage if I'm Filing for Bankruptcy?

Whether you must pay your mortgage in bankruptcy depends on whether you want to keep the home. Learn when a lender can foreclose in bankruptcy, and the requirements you must meet to prevent a home loss.