Who Will Know about my Bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy is a very private and personal decision that a debtor must make on his/her own.  However, like many legal proceedings it is a matter of public record.  When a debtor files for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 anyone who accesses the federal court docket can find a record of the filing.  However, only a small group of people will receive notices and the court does not mandate that friends or family are made aware.

Federal law requires that creditors, the three major credit bureaus, and a person receiving child support or alimony be noticed of a bankruptcy filing.  However, employers, family members, and other people that debtors often worry will find out are not included in this law.  Only entities directly involved in the proceeding will receive formal notice. Typically, a person who wants to know if you filed for bankruptcy would have to obtain that information directly from you or go looking for it. 

If you would like to learn more about how individuals can find out about your bankruptcy, contact an experienced Fears | Nachawati Law Firm attorney today.