HOUSTON \u2013 This Valentine\u2019s Day, some couples are focusing on financial health rather than flowers and chocolates.<\/p>\n
Attorney Regina Vasquez suggests that for couples struggling with debt, bankruptcy might be an unexpected way to save their marriage. Financial stress remains the leading cause of relationship breakdown, but Vasquez advocates for viewing bankruptcy as a \u201cdebt reset\u201d that can give couples a fresh start.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you think about Monopoly, you think about bankruptcy, you think about \u2018game over,\u2019 but the truth is it\u2019s not a game over. It\u2019s simply a way to get out,\u201d Vasquez said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s why, you typically see in the news, businesses who are filing for bankruptcy. It\u2019s because they have a team of lawyers. Individuals, unfortunately, we don\u2019t have a \u2018hey, let me call my lawyer and tell them what\u2019s going on so they can give me the best advise.\u2019 So because of that, they don\u2019t understand that it\u2019s not the end of the world to file for bankruptcy and much it can benefit them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Vasquez emphasizes that couples who face their financial challenges together often emerge stronger.<\/p>\n
Couples considering bankruptcy don\u2019t necessarily have to fear losing their homes or vehicles, Vasquez explains. The process offers various options for retaining important assets while working toward financial recovery.<\/p>\n
Filing for bankruptcy does hit your credit score, but Vazquez explains how it can actually bounce back better than before.<\/p>\n
\u201cI see that people typically land about a 620, which isn\u2019t horrible. It just depends how far ahead you are from 620, or how below you are from 620. Some people actually see an improvement in their credit score,\u201d Vasquez said.<\/p>\n
\u201cA big factor is debt to income. So if we take debt to zero, and you still have your income, you\u2019re actually likely to see an improvement in your credit score.\u201d<\/p>\n
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