If you are like most people considering bankruptcy, you have many questions and concerns. We understand this at The Law Offices of Paul Y. Lee. We are standing by to provide a free consultation so that you can understand what your options are and decide if bankruptcy is right for you. Today we are going to cover a common question we hear: Will my bankruptcy show up on a background check? The answer is not as simple as you think because it depends on what type of background check it is. Contact us at 951-755-1000 if you have further questions.
The Answer Can Depend on Two Things
In reality, there are two factors that will affect whether your bankruptcy shows up on your background checks and how long it does: What type of bankruptcy you filed and what type of background check you are having done. Chapter 7 bankruptcies can stay on your file for ten years after discharge while a Chapter 13 bankruptcy can remain on your file for seven years.
That said, this does not mean that anyone can discover this information. It is true that a bankruptcy is public record but if an individual wanted to determine if you had filed bankruptcy or not, they would have go to a federal courthouse in the district you filed and look for it.
Common Types of Background Checks
Different entities use background checks to determine relevant info about your past conduct. One of the most common is an employment background check in which an employer wants a profile of you and your past. They may also run a criminal background check, which they will use to determine if it is safe to hire you. These types of background checks may or may not show your bankruptcy depending on the service the potential employer uses.
Another common type of background check is a credit background check. You can count on this showing your bankruptcy and likely for the maximum amount of time. This is used by lenders who want to know if you are likely to pay future debts, landlords that want to determine how financially responsible you are, and potential employers who are looking to see how trustworthy you are.
Request a Free Legal Consultation with a Bankruptcy Attorney
If you are considering bankruptcy then we strongly recommend you contact The Law Offices of Paul Y. Lee at 951-755-1000 to find out what your best options are. We will go over all options, discuss their pros and cons, and give you an honest assessment about what you can expect. We are standing by and looking forward to working with you.
