Understand and Compare: Bankruptcy & Consumer Credit Counselling
For most people, the decision to file for personal bankruptcy is not an easy one, and it may come following a stressful struggle to pay off debt. Because personal bankruptcy is often seen as a last resort for individuals seeking debt solutions, we often meet with many people who first attempted debt consolidation using traditional, or non-profit credit counselling programs, but found this debt settlement unsuccessful.
As Licensed Insolvency Trustees (formerly known as Bankruptcy Trustees), before helping an individual enter into bankruptcy, we would first help you evaluate any other options that may be suitable alternatives in your specific situation.
We understand that unsuccessful avenues to get out of debt may have left you feeling overwhelmed or discouraged. Please know that you are not alone and that we are here to help! Even if you have previously attempted debt settlement using a traditional credit counselling program, a personal bankruptcy or Consumer Proposal may still be viable options for you.
Below is a comparison of some key points of differentiation between personal bankruptcy in BC and traditional credit counselling:
Personal Bankruptcy
VS. Credit Counselling
Many people find themselves in situations that leave them unable to repay all their debts as they intended to, despite their best efforts.
If you’re considering a debt management plan like credit counselling or bankruptcy it's important to understand the key differences between these two debt restructuring options.
No set repayment of debts.
For nearly 80% of bankruptcies no amounts are repaid to the creditors and monthly payments are normally for administration costs only.
Generally required to repay 100% of the debt.
Interest frozen by negotiation. Some creditors will not agree to an interest freeze. Tax debts and student loans will continue to charge interest.
Payments are based on your income and assets that are not exempt.
Minimum monthly payment is usually $200 per month for 9 months.
No set guidelines on proportion of income repayment would require.
Typically high payment terms because 100% of debt is being repaid.
Monthly payments are set by government tariff with income levels and family size taken into account.
Licensed Insolvency Trustee fees are regulated by the federal government.
Monthly monitoring and consultation fees, other levies may be charged in addition to monthly debt repayment.
Chargeable fees are unregulated.
An R9 rating will be noted for 6 years following discharge; it is still possible to obtain credit during this period.
A reasonable goal to rebuild your credit would be 2 to 3 years after your discharge.
Tools such as a secured credit card, GIC loans, RRSP loans, etc may be immediately available to you following your discharge.
An R7 rating will be noted for 2 years after completion.
Bankruptcy will last for either 9 or 21 months if it is a first-time bankruptcy, depending on income levels.
Depends on size of debt and repayment. 5 year terms are common.
No creditor can prevent you from filing for personal bankruptcy.
All debts owing to Canada Revenue Agency (including interest and penalties) can be extinguished in a personal bankruptcy.
Only a Licensed Insolvency Trustee can cease a wage garnishment, asset seizure and other collection action.
Contact from creditors must cease upon filing.
100% agreement by each creditor required, otherwise they must continue to be paid separately.
No ability to settle income tax debt for less than 100% of balance owing.
No ability to force wage seizures or other collection actions to stop.
Creditors in agreement with the plan will typically refrain from contact while the plan is in good standing, but there is no legal authority to enforce this.
Licensed Insolvency Trustees are licensed by the federal government.
Overseen by the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy.
Must comply with Code of Ethics and rules of professional conduct.
No set qualifications required to operate as a Credit Counsellor.
No regulatory body.
No dispute-resolution mechanism in place.
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