Your Credit Score After Filing Bankruptcy

On June 3, 2010, in Bankruptcy, by Robbie L. Vaughn, Esq.

How does filing a chapter 7 case affect a person’s credit score?

It will usually worsen it, if that is possible.  If you haven’t been paying your bills, your credit score is likely already pretty low and doing further damage should be the least of your worries.  With that being said, we can pull a credit report which will project what your score will be one year after filing bankruptcy. Often, the a person’s credit score is projected to increase one year after they file for bankruptcy.

How does filing a chapter 13 case affect a person’s credit score?

It may worsen it, at least temporarily. However, if most of a person’s debts are ultimately paid off under a chapter 13 plan, that fact may be taken into account by credit reporting agencies. If very little is paid on most debts, the effect of a chapter 13 case on a person’s credit rating may be similar to that of a chapter 7 case.

Obtaining Credit after filing bankruptcy

The fact that you filed for bankruptcy can remain on your credit report for up to ten years. However, there are some financial institutions that solicit business from people who have recently filed bankruptcy under chapter 7. This is likely because it will be at least 8 years before they can file another chapter 7 case and discharge their debts.

Bankruptcy Attorneys in Mineola

As always, the Law Firm of Vaughn, Weber & Prakope, PLLC is here to assist you.  Contact us at (516) 858-2620 to arrange a consultation with a bankruptcy lawyer.

Please visit our Bankruptcy category to learn more about filing chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy.

Bankruptcy Attorney. Bankruptcy and The Automatic Stay

On May 13, 2010, in Bankruptcy, by Robbie L. Vaughn, Esq.

The Automatic Stay

The filing of a chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy case automatically stays (stops or suspends) virtually all collection attempts (including those harassing phone calls), attachments, garnishments, foreclosures, and other actions by creditors against the person filing (the debtor) and their property.  A few days after a chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy case is filed, the court will mail a notice to all creditors ordering them to refrain from taking any further action against the debtor.  Any creditor who intentionally violates the automatic stay may be held liable in damages to the debtor.

However, criminal proceedings and actions to collect domestic support obligations are not normally stayed. The automatic stay also does not protect cosigners and guarantors of the person filing, and a creditor may continue to collect debts from those persons after the case is filed (chapter 7) or completed (chapter 13). Also, debtors who have had one or more recent bankruptcy cases dismissed may have the automatic stay shortened or denied altogether.

Caveat: A creditor could make a motion to “lift” the automatic stay. Such a motion, if granted, would allow that creditor to continue collection efforts against the debtor or their property.

Bankruptcy Attorney in Mineola

As always, the Law Firm of Vaughn, Weber & Prakope, PLLC is here to assist you.  We are conveniently located in the heart of Nassau County, Long Island, at 393 Jericho Turnpike in Mineola, NY 11501.  Contact us at (516) 858-2620 to arrange a consultation with a bankruptcy attorney.

Please visit our Bankruptcy category to learn more about filing chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy.

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation. This website is Attorney Advertising. It does not form an attorney-client relationship. We are a debt relief agency and a law firm that helps people file for bankruptcy relief under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code – Title 11. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Proudly assisting residents of Long Island, Nassau county, Suffolk county, New York City, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island, Manhattan