Published On: April 21, 2015
A Bankruptcy stays on credit report for ten years, even if the Bankruptcy was Dismissed (not completed).
But is stays on your public record forever. Filing bankruptcy is like having a heart attack. You cannot make a bankruptcy go away, just like you cannot pretend you never had a heart attack Only time will heal both.
I just received an e-mail from a gentleman who filed a chapter 13 bankruptcy, but later decided to dismiss his bankruptcy. He was wondering if the Bankruptcy Court could instruct the credit reporting agency to remove the bankruptcy from his credit report. Unfortunately, the answer is an absolute and resounding “NO”. A bankruptcy will stay on the debtor’s credit report for ten years, even if the case was never completed and later dismissed.
If only this gentleman had talked to an experienced bankruptcy attorney first he would have known this is not something to do without understanding the consequences. I always equate this to jumping off a very high cliff – there may be nothing but water below, or there could be rocks or sharks. Do you really want to take that chance without investigating?
I don’t know if this result would have made a difference for this gentleman, but at least he should have known the truth before filing his bankruptcy. Below is a YouTube video on this topic.
Chapter 7 is not something that you can dip your toe into in order to check the temperature of the water. It is something that you jump into and can only be rescued from it if you show cause” In re Dreamstreet, 221, B.R. 724 (Bankr. W.D. Tex. 1998)
At least once a week I hear a report about someone filing bankruptcy and then trying to get out because they did not like the way things were going.
You can see from the judge’s opinion above this is not that simple. Only a judge can release you from a chapter 7, and then only after you show good cause. How hard is it to show “good cause”, most Arizona courts are not inclined to allow a debtor to dismiss their chapter 7, some other states may be more lenient, but why take that chance? Talk to an experienced bankruptcy attorney who can give you proper advice about the challenges and rewards of bankruptcy (most offer free consultations).
Would you do your own surgery?
In the medical arena this would be similar to starting your open heart surgery only to have you try to leave the operating table halfway through the surgery. Perhaps you should think about the surgery before laying down on the operating table.
I know this is a harsh sentiment, but bankruptcy, like open heart surgery, should not be taken lightly.
About the Author: Diane Drain
Diane is a well respected Arizona bankruptcy and foreclosure attorney. As a retired law professor, she believes in offering everyone, not just her clients, advice about bankruptcy and Arizona foreclosure laws. Diane is also a mentor to hundreds of Arizona attorneys.
*Important Note from Diane: Everything on this web site is offered for educational purposes only and not intended to provide legal advice, nor create an attorney client relationship between you, me, or the author of any article. Information in this web site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from an attorney familiar with your personal circumstances and licensed to practice law in your state. Make sure to check out their reviews.*
“You folks are the BEST OF THE BEST in Arizona.” M.H.
You and Jay are the best attorneys I have ever had or needed and thank God for the Honorable Robert Gottsfield in recommending you folks – I would have never made it through the entire process without you and Jay and God Bless you both always and stay in touch as well. You folks are the BEST OF THE BEST in Arizona.
“My only regret is that I didn’t find Diane sooner.” K.H.
I can’t say enough good things about Diane. The way she handled my not typical circumstances was amazing. I was very nervous to start the bankruptcy process but Diane just has a very comforting way of explaining the whole process. My only regret is that I didn’t find Diane sooner. If you find yourself in a financial situation that you can’t correct on your own, please Call Diane Drain as soon as possible.
“Filing for bankruptcy can be a stressful life event” R.A.
Filing for bankruptcy can be a stressful life event, and selecting the right attorney can add to this stress. Diane and Jay were a pleasure to work with, and it is obvious that they are passionate about helping people get their life back on track. I would highly recommend them if you need a bankruptcy attorney.
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