Morris County Bankruptcy

When you are in debt and contemplating filing for bankruptcy, it is easy to get caught up in what you believe to be true about filing for bankruptcy. Many people are fearful to take a step toward getting their fresh starts simply because they are relying too heavily on information that is simply untrue.

Get the Truth About Bankruptcy Myths and Misconceptions

The Morris County bankruptcy lawyer at Levine & Levine is highly experienced, knowledgeable, and dedicated to client service. We can help you alleviate financial distress by dispelling myths and misconceptions about consumer and small-business bankruptcy so that you can take a step toward a brighter financial future.

To schedule a free consultation, call (973) 718-3999 or contact our bankruptcy law firm online today.

The Many Myths of Bankruptcy

Here are some common bankruptcy myths and the truth behind them:

• My credit will be ruined forever: One of the most significant myths about bankruptcy is that once you have filed, you will never again be eligible for credit, meaning you'll never be capable of buying a house, obtaining a car loan or even qualifying for a credit card. However, your credit is often worse before filing for bankruptcy than it is afterward. After filing for bankruptcy, your debts are wiped clean or repaid (depending on the type of bankruptcy). Therefore, your credit already starts to improve. Many other factors, such as payment history and debt-to-income ratio, become important factors in improving your credit score. While you may pay high-interest rates for a period after filing for bankruptcy, these rates will improve over time.
• Bankruptcy is embarrassing and it means I am a failure: Many people are ashamed or embarrassed about filing for bankruptcy. They feel that it is a testament to their character and their ability to manage their financial goals. However, there is nothing to be ashamed about when filing for bankruptcy. Most have just endured a significant life circumstance — divorce, severe illness, disability, loss of a high-profile business account, adverse outcome in a lawsuit, etc. — that turns their finances upside-down. Filing for bankruptcy is just a consequence of these situations. It is your right under the Bankruptcy Code to obtain debt relief and somehow move on with your life without such significant financial burdens.
• My employer might find out and fire me: Bankruptcy filings are not reported to employers. While it is possible for your employer to find out through other means, such as through public court records, bankruptcy is still a personal matter unrelated to your job performance. Just as an employer cannot fire you for filing for divorce, your employer cannot fire you or treat you differently if you file for bankruptcy.
• I will lose everything I own: Bankruptcy laws were defined to protect you — the consumer. You will never lose everything when filing, regardless of the type of bankruptcy filed. In fact, in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you do not have to give up any of your assets if you don't want to. And, while Chapter 7 bankruptcy is frequently known as liquidation bankruptcy, the truth is that with proper usage of the bankruptcy property exemptions, you can likely save a considerable amount of your property, if not all of it, from being sold.

Get a Fresh Start: Contact Us in Florham Park for a Free Consultation

Will I be able to buy a new home, get a job, rent an apartment, buy a car or obtain credit ever again? YES. Bankruptcy laws recognize the fact that good people can find themselves in financial turmoil. Filing for bankruptcy can be a step in the right direction.

To schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your debt relief options, call (973) 718-3999 or contact our Morris County bankruptcy attorney online.

We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.