Will Everyone Find Out About My Bankruptcy?

One of the first things potential clients want to know is if everyone will find out about their bankruptcy.  Generally, the answer is "no".  Your bankruptcy filing will not be news in your local paper.  In fact, it is highly unlikely that anyone will find out about your bankruptcy.  Bankruptcies are public record and anyone could find out about a bankruptcy filing but they would really have to want to know.

It is unlikely anyone would take the time to search for your bankruptcy unless you owe them money.  Bankruptcy filings can be accessed through the federal courts' electronic databasse (PACER).  However, I use this database all the time but I have never bothered to try and find out if a friend or neighbor has filed bankruptcy.  If I haven't as a lawyer, what are the odds that someone you know has the knowledge to know how to search for bankruptcy filings and would then take the time to do so.

Potential bankruptcy filers may also be concerned that they may be seen at their bankruptcy hearing (also known as the 341 Meeting of Creditors) at the federal courthouse.  In all likelihood the only people that you will see at your bankruptcy hearing are other bankruptcy lawyers, other people filing for bankruptcy and the trustee.  In fact, filing bankruptcy in Kansas City is a lot more private than litigation, judgments, foreclosures and other consequences of financial problems that you would likely be faced with should you decide to not file for bankruptcy in Kansas City.

For more information on bankruptcy please contact me, Kansas City bankruptcy attorney Cary S. Smalley of The Smalley Law Firm at (913) 601-3549 to schedule a free initial consultation and/or visit my website at http://www.thesmalleylawfirm.com