Comparison Between Bankruptcy and Consumer Proposals
Navigating the complexities of financial distress often leads to a critical decision: choosing between bankruptcy and consumer proposals. Each option offers a unique approach to resolving overwhelming debt, but it's important to understand their differences, benefits, and drawbacks. Bankruptcy is typically seen as a last resort. It involves a legal declaration of inability to pay off debts. The process, supervised by a licensed insolvency trustee, may require liquidating certain assets to repay creditors. The main advantage of bankruptcy is the speed of relief it offers; most first-time bankruptcies are discharged within 9 to 21 months, effectively clearing most unsecured debts. However, bankruptcy significantly impacts credit scores, leaving a note on credit reports for up to seven years post-discharge. Additionally, there's a risk of losing significant assets, including home equity and investments. The process demands monthly reporting and potential surplus income payments, w...