Learn all you can about bankruptcy laws in Pennsylvania before you begin to make a decision about filing for bankruptcy. Understand what the ramifications will be to your life and your business when filing for bankruptcy in Pennsylvania.

No one starts a business thinking it will fail. Things, however, do change, and there may come a time when exercising your bankruptcy options in Pennsylvania becomes the best course of action for yourself and your business. Before filing for bankruptcy, keep in mind the following:

1. Know what you’re going to do with your life once the bankruptcy is complete.

2. Take note on how Pennsylvania bankruptcy law is going to affect life going forward--from getting credit to starting a new business.

3. Analyze the decisions that were made that led to your bankruptcy filing. Take note so you won’t repeat the same mistakes again.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Know the exemptions you have under PA bankruptcy laws

Know the exemptions you have available under Pennsylvania bankruptcy laws. For example, Pennsylvania doesn't have homestead exemptions, so it's likely you will lose your home when you file for bankruptcy.

I recommend: Review the chart at Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Law showing all of the exemptions that are available under Pennsylvania bankruptcy law. Bankruptcy Information has a chart with all of the available exemptions in Pennsylvania and links to other PA bankruptcy law information, such as the needed forms and Pennsylvania bankruptcy courts.

Understand Pennsylvania's bankruptcy process

Filing for bankruptcy changed drastically with the passage of the 2005 bankruptcy laws. With the changes, it is much harder to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection, so take the time to understand what the new process entails so you can make an informed decision on whether filing for bankruptcy protection is right for you.

I recommend: Learn about the Pennsylvania bankruptcy process with an easy to understand explanation at Lawyers.com. Bankruptcy Law Network has a wealth of information on the bankruptcy process in Pennsylvania.

Hire a good Pennsylvania bankruptcy attorney to get you through the process

A good lawyer is a necessity when filing for bankruptcy. There are plenty of high quality Pennsylvania bankruptcy lawyers to choose from. Find one that is a good fit for you and your business.

I recommend: Boyle, Neblett and Wenger is one of many Pennsylvania bankruptcy law firms that focus on bankruptcy law. They even offer payment plans for their clients. PennsylvaniaBankruptcyLawyers.com has a wealth of information on Pennsylvania bankruptcy attorneys, and it offers a search that allows you to get a free consultation from a bankruptcy attorney in your area.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Gather all of the information you can when filing for bankruptcy in Pennsylvania. Weigh your options and all possible alternatives before you make a decision.