When you declare bankruptcy, the case becomes public record, and people can find out that you filed. It can be a nerve-wracking thought, but you need to take a certain attitude and remember certain things about bankruptcy. It is a private matter for you, but it is not something to be ashamed of.
Remember That You're Not Alone
Something that people find surprising when they file for bankruptcy is the number of other people doing it, too. It somehow feels like you're the only one who's ever filed when you fill out the paperwork, but when you go to your hearing, you'll see many other people at court that day for the same thing. Even more interesting is what happens when you start telling people (if you choose to tell them). Some of them may tell you about the time they filed for bankruptcy way back when. You don't have to tell a lot of people; this is your private financial life. But if you tell a trusted friend or family member, you may find someone who at least has stories of their relatives filing as well.
It's a Resetting, Not a Failure
Another thing to remember as your bankruptcy is approved and becomes public record is that bankruptcy is a resetting. It's not a sign of failure or a sign that things are over for you. It's a reset button for when you've gotten into too much debt (and this is often not your fault as the economy, pandemic status, and even your own medical status can all affect your financial health unexpectedly). When you file, you end up with a plan that puts you in a better spot within a few years. It's not something you take lightly, of course, but filing for bankruptcy is a way of saying that something went wrong before, but now you're fixing it and moving on to better things.
It's All in the Attitude
You could appear sheepish when someone points out your bankruptcy, or you could shrug your shoulders. You already know you're not alone in filing for bankruptcy and that eventually, this is an entry that will disappear from your credit in a few years. You may even find yourself getting credit offers before then. Anyone trying to shame you for filing bankruptcy, especially after the past few years, truly doesn't understand the process or what it's about. As for simply being worried about what others will think, if you treat bankruptcy like something that you had to do and now you're better off, a lot of people will follow your lead.
If you're not doing well financially and are struggling with debt, bankruptcy is an option you should explore. You can consult with a bankruptcy attorney, often for free, to see if you would benefit from filing.
Share5 January 2023
Several years ago. I found myself facing a suit as the result of a traffic accident. Fortunately, a friend knew a great car accident attorney who was willing to take my case. She represented me well and the suit was eventually dismissed. That woke me up to the fact I needed an attorney to call on for other matters. Fortunately, I found a family attorney who could help with everything from creating last wills and testaments to dealing with personal injury cases. Today, I feel prepared to take on any legal issue that could come along. The trick is to choose the right attorney. Keep reading and I'll share how I made decisions that are right for me. Hopefully those same ideas will help you find legal counsel that you can depend on.
