Can I file for bankruptcy if I am unemployed? 24 Answers as of August 05, 2011

You can definitely file a ch. 7 while you are unemployed. In fact, it would make sense for a debtor to go that route especially if they are unemployed because there is an income cut off that you need to meet in order to qualify for a ch. 7. On the other hand, you can't really file a ch. 13 if you don't have an income because that chapter requires you to pay back a portion of your debt over time and therefore you must submit a plan in which you can afford to do this. Deciding which chapter to file also depends upon what assets you have and which would be exempt in the bankruptcy. If you have a home mortgage payment that you are past due on, you may have to consider a ch. 13, unless you can either get yourself caught up on the back payments or obtain a loan modification. You should speak with an attorney regarding these additional issues as that would likely steer which direction you go in.

You can file bankruptcy whether you are employed or not. One reason to hold off filing when you are unemployed is that you may still be incurring debts which could be included in the bankruptcy. Usually it is best to wait to file until you are employed.

Yes that is one of the reasons to file bankruptcy

Yes, being unemployed means you have less disposable income, which makes it substantially easier to file for bankruptcy.

You may file if you are unemployed.

Yes. You may file for bankruptcy if you are not employed. In fact, it is usually the most appropriate time to file. Of course, when to file really depends on your particular set of circumstances. An attorney would be able to advise you whether you qualify and whether filing is your best option.

Yes, you can file. I usually like my clients to try to wait until they have another job. If you file before then and an emergency arises, you're sunk. Find a lawyer in your area so you can do some planning and know when a "must file" event occurs.

Since no one here has seen your numbers there is no way to answer specifics, but of times the best time to file is when you have no income. It's not a do it yourself project, so let a lawyer run your numbers and help.

You can file a Chapter 7, but not a Chapter 13. Bankruptcies are complicated and require a face to face consultation.

Chapter 7 is an option, but not Chapter 13 or 11 without income.

Yes, you may file a chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Absolutely you can.

Anyone can file for bankruptcy regardless of whether they are employed or not. Bankruptcy is one option. Another is to contact each of your creditors, explain the situation, and try to work out some sort of repayment plan with them. A third option is to ignore your creditors, which will probably result in telephone calls, demand letters and possibly even lawsuits to collect the debts. While not an attractive option, it is an option nonetheless. If you file bankruptcy, all attempts to collect the debt must stop.