Secured debts are linked to specific items of property. The property guarantees payment of the debts because if the debt is not paid, the creditor can take the property or force the sale of the property to pay off the debt. Most secured debt you incur voluntarily such as a mortgage or car loan. Others are imposed on you by creditors such as judgment liens or tax liens.

SECURED DEBT AND BANKRUPTCY: The effect of filing bankruptcy on secured debt is fairly technical. Bankruptcy can eliminate any personal liability stemming from the secured debt. That is to say, if you choose to give back the property, the deficiency left under the original contract becomes unsecured debt and you may discharge that amount on the same basis as other unsecured debts.

IN BANKRUPTCY, THE CONSUMER HAS MANY OPTIONS FOR DEALING WITH SECURED DEBT. THOSE OPTIONS INCLUDE:

1. Surrender the property.
2. Attempt to avoid the lien.
3. Redeem the property at fair market value.
4. Reaffirm the debt by waiving your discharge as to that debt.
5. Retain the property and continue making payment as if bankruptcy never happened.
6. Put the lien into a chapter 13 plan. There are advantages and disadvantages for each one of these options, no single option is best or worst. It is always best to discuss your options with an attorney before making a decision on secured debt.


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