If you are delaying filing a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy because you are concerned who will find out about it, hopefully this blog will calm your fears. While bankruptcy filings are a matter of public record, the reality is that your family and friends are unlikely to ever know about your filing, unless you owe them money or you tell them yourself. When you file a case, you must disclose all of your debts, assets, creditors, income and expenses. Your creditors will receive notice of your filing, which means anyone you owe money to will know that you filed a case. It is essential that you understand, however, that you should never try to pay certain debts prior to your filing in order to prevent the friend or relative from finding out about your bankruptcy. We will discuss this topic further in a future blog, but it could result in your family member being served with a lawsuit rather than a simple court notice. Many debtors worry about their employer discovering the bankruptcy filing. Again, if for some reason you owe your employer money, notice will be given. An employer may also discover your filing by requesting a copy of your credit report. Finally, if you file a Chapter 13 case and your plan payments are made by payroll deductions, whoever writes your paychecks will have notice of your case. Otherwise, most employers do not know when an employee seeks bankruptcy protection. It is understandable that you do not want the whole world to know you filed for bankruptcy, but in today’s economy, bankruptcies are more widely accepted. Most people are facing financial struggles and many have filed for bankruptcy too, you just didn’t know about it! If you are interested in learning more about bankruptcy, contact Levitt & Slafkes, P.C. We are experienced in handling a variety of bankruptcy issues. Our offices are conveniently located in South Orange, New Jersey. Please call us at 973-323-2953 or online to schedule your free initial consultation today.