If I File bankruptcy in New York City is it Public Record?

Like many things in life, a bankruptcy filing is a matter of public record in New York City, but realistically speaking most people will simply never find out if you file.  Millions of people file bankruptcy every year, and your filing would just be another in the bunch.  Unless you have some seriously incredible circumstances involved in your case The New York Times is not going to run a story about your bankruptcy.  It’s a lot more important to you than the rest of the world.

Even the snoopy people in your life that want to dig into your personal business will have trouble finding anything about your bankruptcy.  They won’t come up with anything online very easily, and while the bankruptcy will appear on your credit report, only you decide who may or may not pull your credit report.  Someone could potentially pull a full public records search on you, but this costs money, and they would also need your full name and your social security number to find your bankruptcy case.  I don’t know about you, but most of my best friends don’t even know my middle name, and I would never share my social security number with anyone.  There is the slight possibility that someone could see you at the required meeting of creditors, but if you run into them in the building they are probably filing bankruptcy too.  Now, all that being said, your creditors will find out about the bankruptcy.  Credit card companies in particular will probably share information, so if you have had a debt discharged with VISA, AMEX will probably find out too.  But your nosy neighbors or co-workers should never know about your bankruptcy discharge.

At the end of the day it’s not likely people will find out about your bankruptcy, but even if they do, who really cares.  Bankruptcy is your legally protected right.  The slight chance of someone finding out or the fear of actually being seen at the meeting of creditors should not keep you from the financial relief you deserve.  If you need discreet and affordable bankruptcy assistance Contact the Law Offices of William Waldner online or at 212.244.2882 to arrange a free bankruptcy consultation today.  Our law firm maintains a 99% Chapter 7 Bankruptcy discharge record in New York City as of 9/31/16, and only practices bankruptcy law.

**** DISCLAIMER:  This article is intended for educational purposes only.  By reading no attorney-client relationship has been created.  Prior results do not guarantee a similar result for future clients

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