When Friends or Family Ask About Your Bankruptcy Filing
July 9, 2020 By: Carrie Weir
Helping Them Understand That You’ve Made a Good Decision
When wrestling with unmanageable debt, whether because of a job loss, medical bills, or divorce, one thing that might hold you back from getting bankruptcy protection is the fear of how friends and family will respond. You may worry that you’ll let them down or that they’ll think less of you. But their support, while not essential, is important and can make the uncertainties that come with bankruptcy more bearable. You don’t have to share the intimate details of your financial situation with those close to you, but you can help them understand that you’re making a conscious decision to turn things around.
- Tell them you view bankruptcy as a way forward, not as your only alternative. Bankruptcy laws were enacted to help people get a fresh start when circumstances lead to financial challenges. Some of the most successful people in history—including Abraham Lincoln, Henry Ford, and Walt Disney—have sought bankruptcy protection.
- Make certain they know you’ll be required to undergo credit counseling, which should give you a better handle on financial matters and decisions moving forward
- Let them know that any impact on your creditworthiness could be temporary, based on how you do going forward. If you adhere to the requirements of your bankruptcy filing and avoid poor financial decisions, you’re likely to be eligible for some type of credit within a couple years.
- Emphasize the potential health benefits of filing for bankruptcy. You won’t have the stress caused by calls and letter from creditors and concern about how you’ll meet your financial obligations.
Contact an Experienced Rockwall, Texas, Bankruptcy Attorney
At the Law Offices of Carrie Weir, all potential clients are entitled to a free initial consultation. I am currently communicating with clients by phone, text messaging, and videoconference. To arrange an appointment, contact my office online or call 972-772-3083. I handle Texas personal bankruptcy filings in Rockwall County, Collin County, Dallas County, Hunt County, and the surrounding counties.