People believe that as bankruptcy is a part of your public record every person will get to know about it. However this is far from the truth. No one is so bothered to check. Generally only your creditors and those you tell about your financial condition will know.
Myth 2: I'll lose everything
Far from losing things you own, bankruptcy may actually enable you to retain them. You will merely have to diligently continue the payments on your house or vehicle and compensate for the missed payments.
Myth 3: I'll never be able to buy anything again
No doubt bankruptcy, affects your credit drastically, however once in this situation you will also be flooded with credit offers either by secured cards or from sub prime lenders. The only downside is that these loans come at exorbitant interest rates. You will now need to avoid the mistakes you made in the past and improve your credit history. This can be done by paying off these loans punctually.
Myth 4: It is hard to file for bankruptcy
Filing for bankruptcy is not a tedious process. With the help of a good attorney just about any person can do so. They are experts at finding the loopholes and if not through Chapter 7 they will ensure you get file it through Chapter 13.
Myth 5: You can only file once
Filing more than once, for bankruptcy is not suggested. This means that the strategies you are using to handle your finances are not working effectively. It will be advisable to seek good professional help to get you out of this situation.
However the law allows it, although with certain restrictions. You can file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy only once every eight years. You can file a Chapter 13 once every two years. If you have filed a Chapter 7 and now intend on filing a Chapter 13, you can do so only after four years.
Myth 6: The only reason to file is to get out from under the responsibility
People are under the misconception that only people who shirk their responsibility to pay the loans back file for bankruptcy. However, it is actually filed by people who are so deep into debts that in spite of trying for years they cannot get out of it and the debts are accumulating. Also, people experiencing a divorce, loss of job, etc are often bankruptcy seekers.
