Chatham Ontario Personal Bankruptcy Blog: October 2006: Answers to Personal Bankruptcy Questions

Credit Reports

As a Chatham bankruptcy trustee, I am frequently asked how items get on credit reports and asking for my help to correct them. Unfortunately we are unable to correct items on your credit report, even if you filed bankruptcy or a consumer proposal with us. The two major credit reporting companies are Equifax and Trans Union. They won’t talk to us about your credit report. We have tried to talk to them to correct errors with reporting for people who filed with us. What you need to do is to contact them yourselves in writing with a copy of the correct information. The credit reporting agencies only report what they have been given by your creditors. If they have incorrect or old information, unfortunately, you need to take the steps to correct it.

Joint Debts

I received an email question from someone in Chatham :

"I have a bank loan that my dad cosigned. If I go bankrupt, how does it effect him."

If you file for bankruptcy, as the cosignor, your dad is totally responsible for the debt. Your bankruptcy only effects your responsibility towards the debt. It is probably a good idea to let you dad know that you plan on filing for bankruptcy.

If you have a question, please feel free to email me.

How do I choose a trustee?

People often wonder how do they know which trustee to see in Chatham . There are number of things to consider.

1. When you call an office, how quickly to they respond to you? Can you talk to a person, or do you always get voicemail. We respond to all of our calls and emails quickly. We have a large staff so you can always speak to someone. On the rare occasions when everyone is helping out someone else, you may need to leave a voicemail,
2. Do they make you complete paperwork before they will even meet with you? We understand that you just want to meet with someone and that you are under some stress. We are not going to make you complete a form first. However, you always have the option of downloading our "fresh start" application form and bringing it with you to your meeting with us.
3. If you are thinking about bankruptcy, ask how your GST and tax refunds are dealt with. We help you get your bankruptcy finished on time and are efficient in closing your file soon afterwards. That means you tax refunds and GST will come to you faster.

Call us at 310-PLAN to book a meeting and let us help you develop a plan that is right for you.

Welcome to Bankruptcy Chatham Ontario

Posted on Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Credit Reports

Posted on Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Joint Debts

Posted on Wednesday, October 11, 2006

How do I choose a trustee?