Will Everyone Know If I File Bankruptcy?

The internet is full of information, and not all of it is something you want everyone to know. Unfortunately, there are no privacy settings or controls in place to prevent someone from entering your name in a search engine and reading up on your life. We understand the desire to keep your personal information out of the public eye, and when that information pertains to your financial situation those feelings can intensify.

When you file bankruptcy the case information does become public record, sort of. The cases are filed electronically, which is how the Court is able to give notice to your creditors so quickly. But in order to access a case, a person has to have an account to login to the Bankruptcy Court site. Here is a short list of who might learn you have filed a bankruptcy case:

•         Your creditors, which is a good thing. You want your lenders to know that you have filed a case, so they will no longer ask you to pay their debt.

•         If you file a Chapter 13 and opt to have your Chapter 13 plan payments taken out of your check, it is possible your employer may learn of your filing. If you want to prevent this from happening, you should make other arrangements to make your Chapter 13 plan payments.

•         The friends and family members you decide to tell you have filed a case. This is entirely up to you, and completely within your control.

•         People with access to the Court’s online filing system, who may just happen to be curious enough to enter your name.

While we know that having your personal information shared with your neighbors or co-workers is not what you might want, filing bankruptcy does not have the stigma of days past. It is no longer considered a negative to file bankruptcy, and even the President elect has been involved in bankruptcy cases. In addition to Trump, there is a long list of celebrities that have taken advantage of the bankruptcy laws. If you are having a hard time paying your bills, don’t let the fear of someone finding out keep you from filing bankruptcy.

For more information about bankruptcy and student loans, call us today or reach us online at www.law-ri.com.