No one starts a business thinking it will fail and they will end up researching bankruptcy in Rhode Island. Things however do change, and there may come a time when exercising your bankruptcy options in Rhode Island becomes the best course of action for yourself and your business.

Learn all you can about bankruptcy law in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island. Before filing for bankruptcy, keep in mind the following

1. Know what you’re going to do with your life and business once the bankruptcy is complete.
2. Take note on how Rhode Island 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 RI bankruptcy laws

You should know the exemptions you have available under Rhode Island bankruptcy laws. Take special notice of homestead exemptions, exemptions regarding pay and pensions and other retirement funds since these are the ones that are to have the most impact on your life.

I recommend: Personal Bankruptcy Information has a chart with all of the available exemptions in Rhode Island and links to other RI bankruptcy law information, such as the necessary forms and Rhode Island bankruptcy courts. The Bankruptcy Site also has a page that covers the available exemptions in Rhode Island as well a host of other Rhode Island bankruptcy information.

Understand the process for a bankruptcy in Rhode Island

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. 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 Rhode Island bankruptcy process with an easy-to-understand explanation at Lawyers.com. Rhode Island Bankruptcy.com has detailed information on the bankruptcy process from the type of filings that are available to the Rhode Island bankruptcy courts throughout the state.

Hire a good Rhode Island bankruptcy attorney to get you through the process

Bankruptcy lawyers in Rhode Island are a necessity when filing for bankruptcy. There are plenty of high quality Rhode Island bankruptcy attorneys to choose from. Find one that is a good fit for you and your business.

I recommend: Rhode Island Bankruptcy Lawyers.com has a wealth of information on Rhode Island bankruptcy attorneys, and it offers a search that allows you to get a free consultation from a bankruptcy attorney in your area. Pitts & Burns, Attorneys at Law, is one of many Rhode Island law firms that can help you with your bankruptcy filing.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Find out whether bankruptcy law in Rhode Island allows you to file jointly with you spouse. If so, talk to your lawyer and see if it is in your best interest to file jointly or on your own.