Will everyone know I filed BK?

[downwardspiral]

I'm trying to keep this information as prviate as possible. I know it public knowledge, but how easily can someone find out about my bankruptcy?

[magyar123]

Some newspapers publish the name of filers. Don't know if these listings also include the filers' addresses.
So if you have a common name like Jones, Brown, Johnson, Williams, but no addresses, no one that knows you will ever find out that you filed.
And if for some odd reason someone you know asks you about it, just answer politely that you made a personal business decision, and leave it at that.

[TX Bluebonnet]

As easily as using the internet to utilize any of the numerous online search companies, plugging in your name, and paying a small fee.

[Cali]

I would rather not have the debt, than to worry about who knows I had to file.

And if someone really wanted to know,they can find out.

[Flamingo]

Your own worst enemy is yourself in this situation. The less you say if you want things kept private, the better. Nothing spreads quicker around the office or any group/club you are associated with than new gossip. Tell only those you want to know (i.e., close family, friends that know you well and can tell when something is wrong). Tell them you do not know it broadcast. Secondly, it does appear in various newspapers through the country (local newspapers) and weekly in ours (every Monday in the Business Section). Listed are the filers name(s) and their city and also the amount of the assets and liabilities, both Chapter 13s and 7s. It is public information so is accessible by anyone who wants to know and has the need to find out. It is not that difficult to find out IF one is looking for it. The less attention you bring to yourself as to filing, the better to keep it under wraps.

[downwardspiral]

how does it appear if someone does a property search?

[Phillymanhere]

downwardspiral,
hey, you might want to be more specific here. Are you worried about someone in particular finding out?

I know different people face different situations and live in different communities, but my take on this is shame and worrying about what others think is part of what got me in this position in the first place.

Good luck.

[epiphany]

[QUOTE=Phillymanhere;158314]downwardspiral,

I know different people face different situations and live in different communities, but my take on this is shame and worrying about what others think is part of what got me in this position in the first place.

QUOTE]

That was beautifully said.

ep

[Cali]

I don't mean to sound mean, but it seems you are more concern about who will know then actually starting fresh.

[justplaintired]

You know when we decided we had to file, that was one of our worries. Who would know and what would they think. Well, now I just don't care. I mean I care, but what does it matter really. We have no choice. We can't repay all the debt, no way, no how. There are no good jobs left in the town we live in, 2 factories have closed since Jan. I feel lucky to even have a job, it's not a high paying job, but atleast we have jobs.

Lots of people have been in our shoes and they have survived. It's not like they put a Big BK on our foreheads for the world to see. And someday after all this is behind us, no one will even care if we filed BK. It's really not the worse thing in the world.

[sisterfunkhaus]

As easily as using the internet to utilize any of the numerous online search companies, plugging in your name, and paying a small fee.

Normal people don't sit around and do that for everyone they know though. I wouldn't worry about that aspect.

My thought is that the only people who have to know are people who check your credit and whoever you tell. Even if it is published in the paper, chances are small that people you know will actually read it.

[TX Bluebonnet]

Normal people don't sit around and do that for everyone they know though. I wouldn't worry about that aspect.

My thought is that the only people who have to know are people who check your credit and whoever you tell. Even if it is published in the paper, chances are small that people you know will actually read it.

I wasn't implying that normal people would do that. I was just answering the OP's question. I was actually thinking about mortgage companies, rental places, potential employers, and possibly potential girlfriends or boyfriends who meet people on the internet, for example. But, no doubt some people are just plain nosey and will check on their friends and neighbors. Another thing I see is people all pleased with themselves when they manage to get their bk knocked off their credit reports through credit repair tactics, but of course it's still out there in the public records. So, yeah, you can note on any type of application or whatever that you don't have a bankruptcy, but it's easy enough for anyone to check it out. Some people may not realize that anyone can access that information without having the person's permission or ssn. By the way, I am in no way, shape, or form implying that the OP is asking about this for any particular reason other than in a general sense.

[Minnymouth]

As you get older you will worry less about what anybody SAYS and even less about what they "think"..... AND "the Jones"???? Well, most of them are so deep in debt, they too will never see daylight!!

So why all the worry about "who knows"???

Besides, I don't see any of them THEM contributing to MY HOUSEHOLD.........

[Cali]

Exactly!!

If they aren't contributing to my financial well being, then I don't give a rats arse.

As you get older you will worry less about what anybody SAYS and even less about what they "think"..... AND "the Jones"???? Well, most of them are so deep in debt, they too will never see daylight!!

So why all the worry about "who knows"???

Besides, I don't see any of them THEM contributing to MY HOUSEHOLD.........