Credit Rebuilding Attorney in Phoenix

Reestablish Your Life after Filing for Bankruptcy

Many people already have bad credit by the time they visit our Phoenix law office. Still, they worry that filing for bankruptcy will make a bad situation worse.

At the Law Office of Harold E. Campbell P.C., we often counsel our clients about rebuilding their credit after bankruptcy. Contrary to what most people think, it is possible and can be achieved with careful planning and guidance.

We often explain to clients that:

• You will be solicited for car loans and credit cards within days of filing for bankruptcy.
• If you have a job, you will usually be able to reestablish your credit in a year or two.
• You will probably be eligible to buy a house within two years.

Often, the only thing standing between you and good credit after bankruptcy is knowing what steps to take next.

Talking with an experienced credit rebuilding lawyer in Phoenix can help you understand:

• How to get a credit card (or how to avoid one)
• How to get a car loan without paying too much interest
• Rent an apartment
• Buy a home
• Or refinance

Contact the Law Office of Harold E. Campbell P.C. or call (480) 568-2333 to learn more about how we can help you rebuild your credit and your financial life after bankruptcy.

How to Rebuild Credit After Bankruptcy

Securing new credit is one of the most crucial steps you can take to rebuilding your credit, but it can also seem difficult to do after bankruptcy. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy will typically stay on your credit report for 10 years, while a Chapter 13 will typically stay for seven years after your filing date. There are, however, still several steps you can take to build your credit back in that time period.

Methods to rebuild your credit after bankruptcy include:

​​​​​Secured Credit Cards

Many find the easiest way to start re-establishing credit is with a secured credit card from a local credit union or bank. You provide the bank with a certain amount of money and receive credit in that amount. By making regular payments on your card, you can begin to rebuild your credit.

Unsecured Credit Cards

After making regular payments for a period on a secured credit card, often 12 to 24 months, you may be eligible for an unsecured credit card. A card is "unsecured" when you do not need to give the lending institution money before credit is extended to you.

Retail and Gas Cards

These unsecured credit cards have lower qualifications standards than other cards, though they can come with higher interest rates. Making small purchases on these cards and paying the full balance each month can help you start getting your credit score back on track.

Co-Signers

A trusted friend or family member with good credit can co-sign with you so you can qualify for better loans. With this option, you will want to ensure you maintain your payments so as not to lower your co-signer's credit as well as your own.

Credit-Builder Loans

Community banks and credit unions can offer credit-builder loans, where you have the money deposited into a bank account held by the lender and make monthly payments for roughly 6 to 24 months. Once you pay off the loan, you get the money held in the account. Because these loans are low risk to the lender, they are typically easier to qualify for than traditional loans.

All of these options can work to repair your credit score as long as you make regular payments. However, it is important to avoid high fees and make smart decisions about debt – otherwise, you could face financial problems again.

It is possible to restore your credit after bankruptcy. Don't let fear of a bad credit score keep you from seeking freedom from debt.

When you need help, contact our credit rebuilding attorney in Phoenix at the Law Office of Harold E. Campbell P.C.