When you decide to file for bankruptcy, you’re probably aware that it’s going to stay on your credit report for a few years. What you may not realize is that these filings can also become part of the public record. This means that anyone who knows how to look up court records can learn all about your bankruptcy filing. If you have concerns about privacy, a Montgomery County Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer from our firm can tell you more.
Will My Bankruptcy Be Public Record in Pennsylvania?
Yes, every bankruptcy filing is part of the public record in Pennsylvania. This means that other people will be able to look into the details of your case if they have your name, your case number, or both. People can look up information like:
- The name of the debtor
- When the bankruptcy was filed
- What type of bankruptcy was filed
- The name and contact information for your attorney
- Details about the bankruptcy trustee
- The current status of your case
- Your accounting of personal assets
- Any documents that were filed
- Any petitions and motions relating to the bankruptcy
- The name of your bankruptcy judge
We understand that many filers don’t want all of this to be on the public record, but it’s just how this process works. It’s another big factor to consider when you’re thinking about going the bankruptcy route.
Can an Employer Search the Public Record and Find My Bankruptcy Filing?
Anyone who knows how to search for court records can probably find your bankruptcy filing. That can include your employer. This can be a problem for people working in some fields, including the financial sector. So this is another thing to think about before you file.
Can I Seal the Public Record of My Bankruptcy?
It’s rare that the state will allow you to seal away your bankruptcy case. It’s more than likely to remain a part of the public record, even if you ask nicely. However, some portions of the record can be redacted if there is a safety issue or a potential threat to your business. If, for example, any trade secrets used by your company were somehow part of the public record, a request to censor that part of the record could be granted.
Do I Need a Lawyer to File For Bankruptcy?
We do recommend talking to an attorney before you file. A seasoned bankruptcy attorney can help you decide if this is the right choice for you. As you can probably tell, there are some serious consequences to filing for bankruptcy. It can be a great way to get a fresh financial start, but our law firm can help you honestly consider the potential drawbacks as well.
Schedule Your Consultation
When you are ready to explore your options and talk about filing for bankruptcy, we are ready to assist you. Contact Mudrick & Zucker to schedule a consultation with our legal team. We would be happy to tell you more about how an experienced attorney can help you.
