Why You May Want to Avoid Filing Bankruptcy in Canada

Why You May Want to Avoid Filing Bankruptcy in Canada

Understanding the Implications of Declaring Bankruptcy in Canada

Financial hardships may push individuals to the brink of declaring insolvency, but the decision to file bankruptcy should not be taken lightly. This article aims to provide insight into Why You May Want to Avoid Filing Bankruptcy in Canada, considering the possible implications on credit rating, asset loss, immigration, and employment prospects, among others.

The Concept of Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy in Canada is a legal process overseen by a Licensed Insolvency Trustee (LIT), a government-licensed entity. The LIT provides guidance on the bankruptcy process, the debts that would remain unpaid, the assets you can retain, the duration of bankruptcy, and other ways bankruptcy can affect your life.

The ultimate goal of declaring bankruptcy is to achieve the much-desired “bankruptcy discharge”. This discharge absolves a debtor from most types of debt, providing a fresh start post-bankruptcy.

Why You May Want to Avoid Filing Bankruptcy in Canada

While declaring bankruptcy might seem like the only way out for many, there are several reasons why one should consider other alternatives. Let’s delve into these reasons.

1. Impact on Credit Rating

Bankruptcy can significantly damage your credit score. While it’s true that most individuals considering bankruptcy already have poor credit, it’s often salvageable. However, filing for bankruptcy will plummet your rating to the lowest possible level, affecting your financial prospects for many years to come.

2. Potential for Asset Loss

One of the major downsides of filing bankruptcy is the potential loss of assets. While some assets are exempt from seizure depending on the province or territory you reside in, non-exempt items must be surrendered to the LIT, who will then sell them to recover some of the owed money.

3. Delays in Immigration Process

If you’re in the middle of sponsoring a family member or loved one’s immigration to Canada, filing for bankruptcy may not be the best move. During an undischarged bankruptcy, you cannot act as a sponsor, potentially delaying your immigration plans.

4. Denial of Personal Loans

While you can retain your mortgage as long as you continue to make payments, obtaining a new personal loan or mortgage during an undischarged bankruptcy becomes almost impossible. Even after the discharge, your options may be limited until you rebuild your credit.

5. Denial of Business Loans

If you are a business owner, filing bankruptcy can restrict your ability to secure business loans. Lenders may be reluctant to provide loans to businesses that have declared bankruptcy, particularly if the bankruptcy resulted from poor financial management.

6. Potential Impact on Employment Opportunities

While it’s unlawful to be fired due to bankruptcy, potential employers can decline to hire you if you have a bankruptcy record. This is particularly true in industries like banking, insurance, and real estate, where credit checks are common during the hiring process.

Given these potential implications, it’s clear Why You May Want to Avoid Filing Bankruptcy in Canada. But what alternatives are there? Let’s look at some possible options.

Alternatives to Bankruptcy

If you’re deep in debt, there are several strategies you can explore before resorting to bankruptcy. Here are ten potential alternatives:

1. Negotiate with Creditors

Your creditors may be willing to settle for less than you owe, especially if they know you’re considering bankruptcy. Negotiating with creditors can help you manage your debt better and preserve your credit rating.

2. Liquidate Some Assets

Consider selling valuables like electronics, jewelry, stocks, or even your car to help pay off your debt. If you’re already contemplating bankruptcy, you might lose these assets anyway, so liquidating them on your own terms can be beneficial.

3. Seek Assistance from Family or Friends

While it might be a sensitive issue, borrowing from family or friends with a proper repayment plan in place can be a viable alternative to bankruptcy. If this is not an option, online fundraising platforms like GoFundMe could be a potential solution.

4. Take on Additional Work

Taking on a part-time job or side gig can provide additional income to help manage your debt. This can also open new career opportunities that you might find more rewarding.

5. Consolidate Debt into Your Mortgage

If your credit is in good standing, consolidating your debt into your mortgage could save you money each month. This is often a preferable alternative to bankruptcy, but it requires careful spending to avoid accumulating more debt.

6. Consider a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

If you can obtain a low-interest HELOC, you might consider leveraging your home. Just be cautious not to default on your payments, as this could risk losing your home.

7. Utilize Retirement Funds

While retirement planning is crucial, borrowing from your retirement funds might be an option worth considering if it significantly improves your current situation.

8. Take out a Debt Consolidation Loan

If your credit is good, a debt consolidation loan could be an excellent way to manage your debt without declaring bankruptcy.

9. Enter a Debt Consolidation Program

Working with a certified Credit Counsellor from a not-for-profit credit counselling agency can help you reduce or stop the interest on your debts. This can be a less damaging alternative to bankruptcy.

10. Consider a Consumer Proposal

Consumer proposals, another form of insolvency, involve paying your creditors a portion of what you owe. This could be a better option if you’re contemplating bankruptcy.

Get Debt Relief Today

At Bankruptcy Canada, we’ve assisted thousands of Canadians in managing their debts better and avoiding bankruptcy. We understand that some situations may require more than just budgeting help. In such cases, our Debt Consolidation Program can be an excellent solution. Contact us today to book a free, confidential counselling session and learn about your debt relief options!

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