If you are thinking about reaffirming, the first question should always be whether you can afford the monthly payments.  Reaffirming any debt means that you are agreeing to make the payments every month, and to face the consequences if you don’t.  The reaffirmation agreement must include information about your income and expenses and your signed statement that you can afford the payments.

If you have any doubts whether you can afford the payments, do not reaffirm.  Caution is always a good idea when you are giving up your right to have a debt canceled.

Before reaffirming, always consider your other options.  For example, instead of reaffirming a car loan you can’t afford, can you get by with a less costly used car for a while?

Source: Your Legal Rights During and After Bankruptcy:  Making the Most of Your Bankruptcy Discharge Pamphlet, National Consumer Law Center, Boston, MA, www.nclc.org.

No.  A reaffirmation is a new contract between you and the lender.  You should try to get the creditor to agree to better terms such as a lower monthly payment or interest rate.  You can also try to negotiate a reduction in the amount you owe.  The lender may refuse but it is always worth a try.  The lender must give you disclosures on the reaffirmation agreement about the original credit terms, and any new terms you and the lender agree on must also be listed.

Source: Your Legal Rights During and After Bankruptcy:  Making the Most of Your Bankruptcy Discharge Pamphlet, National Consumer Law Center, Boston, MA, www.nclc.org.

Yes.  You can cancel any reaffirmation agreement for sixty days after it is filed with the court.  You can also cancel at any time before your discharge order.  To cancel a reaffirmation agreement, you must notify the creditor in writing.  You do not have to give a reason.  Once you have canceled, the creditor must return any payments you made on the agreement.

Also, remember that a reaffirmation agreement has to be in writing, has to be signed by your lawyer or approved by the judge, and has to be made before your bankruptcy is over.  Any other reaffirmation agreement is not valid.

Source: Your Legal Rights During and After Bankruptcy:  Making the Most of Your Bankruptcy Discharge Pamphlet, National Consumer Law Center, Boston, MA, www.nclc.org.

No.  Reaffirmation is always optional.  It is not required by bankruptcy law or any other law.  If a creditor tries to pressure you to reaffirm, remember you can always say no.

Source: Your Legal Rights During and After Bankruptcy:  Making the Most of Your Bankruptcy Discharge Pamphlet, National Consumer Law Center, Boston, MA, www.nclc.org.

Although you filed bankruptcy to cancel your debts, you have the option to sign a written agreement to “reaffirm” a debt.  If you choose to reaffirm, you agree to be legally obligated to pay the debt despite bankruptcy.  If you reaffirm, the debt is not canceled by bankruptcy.  If you fall behind on a reaffirmed debt, you can get collection calls, be sued, and possibly have your pay attached or other property taken.

Reaffirming a debt is a serious matter.  You should never agree to a reaffirmation without a very good reason.

Source: Your Legal Rights During and After Bankruptcy:  Making the Most of Your Bankruptcy Discharge Pamphlet, National Consumer Law Center, Boston, MA, www.nclc.org.