Filing for bankruptcy is a tough time. You may be uncertain or scared of the future. Perhaps you are worried about who will all find out you had to file. This is a completely normal feeling and one that many who have filed for bankruptcy have felt. We often hold the feeling our loved ones feel with high regard. But who must absolutely find out you have filed?
First off, an attorney will tell you that bankruptcy can be the best option if you need to have a clean slate. If you are tired of having phone calls from creditors, letters sent, or messages left, and it feels that they are constantly harassing you, bankruptcy could very well be the best option for you.
For starters, all of your debtors and creditors will be notified that you have filed for bankruptcy. Once you have filed the petition for insolvency, all of your debts will have a stay placed upon them. This notifies your debtors and creditors that they may not collect any more money from you. Nor will they be able to call you or send any correspondence to you.
You will also have a bankruptcy trustee that is appointed to you. Once your lawyer has filed for you, your case moves to a court, where a trustee is assigned to you. The trustee will be able to read all the details about your case, and will also be the person who will collect from you if you file for Chapter 7 so the funds can be distributed to your creditors.
Many are concerned that their employers will find out that they have filed for bankruptcy. The good news is that they will not be notified. However, filing for bankruptcy is considered public record, so your employer may be able to see that you have indeed filed.
Potential employers may also look to see if you have filed for bankruptcy. But the law states you can not be discriminated against for filing.
There may be a few times when an employer would be notified. If you have a garnishment of wages, your employer will be notified. They will once again be notified once you have paid the entire amount so all of your wages can be reinstated.
You may worry about friends or family members finding out you have filed for bankruptcy. While it is up to you if you want to tell them or not, they will not be notified by anyone. However, since it is public knowledge, they can still find out if you have filed. If you have a cosigner on a loan, that person will be notified that you have filed.
While a person can file for bankruptcy on their own, it is best to have a lawyer assist you in the matter. Mistakes can easily be made when filing for this, as many questions are answered that may be confusing to those that never deal with bankruptcy. With various types of bankruptcy, you may not know which one to pick. But a lawyer will be able to tell you once they hear the specifics of your situation.
If you feel bankruptcy is the best option for you, be sure to look for the best support you can. By hiring a bankruptcy lawyer, such as Weller Legal Group in Tampa, you can rest assured that any questions or concerns can be addressed. A good attorney will be able to guide you through the entire process, offering you the best information and advice to help you determine what type of bankruptcy is best for you.
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