Foreclosures create health problems. A foreclosure impacts people’s lives in many ways not easily visible.
Imagine facing foreclosure, losing what you worked so hard to attain. That is a 10 on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the maximum stressor. It hits hard at the foundation of everything we identify with, work to attain, take pride in and call our haven. While losing your boat may not bother you quite as much, losing your home is a completely difference scenario.
There are a variety of reports available online which clearly indicate that foreclosures have more than just economic repercussions. In fact, economic difficulties tend to go hand-in-hand with health problems. Debt and foreclosure can bring on health issues. The reverse could also be true, that health difficulties bring on foreclosure, with the added drawback that if someone goes into foreclosure while ill, their symptoms will likely get worse.
The core finding of many of the recent surveys of those about to go into foreclosure, were in foreclosure, were about to file bankruptcy or had started the process, showed that the people felt their physical and mental health had deteriorated over the last two years. Their levels of deprivation, anxiety and depression were exceedingly high.
How do you pay bills if you have no money and no hope of getting any? In many cases, if you wish to save your home or salvage your present financial status as best you can, seeking bankruptcy protection with the assistance of a qualified Iowa bankruptcy attorney, will put an automatic stay on most debt collection procedures.
The foreclosure crisis is epidemic in the US today, and according to the National Bankruptcy Research Center, filings in Chapter 7 and 13 are on the upswing, despite a glimmer of hope for the nation’s economy. The increase in Chapter 7 filings is of interest, largely because in 2005, a means test was introduced to direct people to Chapter 13 filings instead. Chapter 13 would mean they would still need to repay a portion of their debt. However, with the economy being what it is, the means test is getting a good workout.
Bankruptcy doesn’t just affect a certain class or social strata of people. It hits everyone and anyone, even those with higher incomes and education. It could be just around the corner for you. If you are facing bankruptcy, and have no other option, filing will halt all collections activity. This may help your medical situation as well, although it’s not a recommended cure for stress. However, the automatic stay may help you get your life together and go forward. Don’t attempt to do this without the assistance of a seasoned Iowa bankruptcy attorney.
Kevin Ahrenholz is an Iowa bankruptcy lawyer and Iowa bankruptcy attorney. To contact him, visit http://www.iowachapter7.com or call 1.877.888.1766.
