Bankruptcy, Debt Negotiation, Wills & Personal Injury Representation

We’ve All Heard Bankruptcy Myths, But Which Are True?

Let’s Take A Look

Have you ever wondered, ‘What happens if you file bankruptcy?’ Don’t worry, if you have, there is a lot of misinformation about bankruptcy out there. The Cook Law Firm is here to help. Keep reading to learn the truth about bankruptcy, how to claim bankruptcy and more.

You Will Lose Your Home If You File For Bankruptcy

This is FALSE. If you have a mortgage and you can afford to pay that mortgage, the bank will not try to take your home. Even if you are delinquent on your payments, you can catch them up in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

You Will Lose All Your Property

Certain assets are exempt from liquidation in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, and a Chapter 13 bankruptcy does not result in a loss of your assets at all (See Bankruptcy Exemptions).

You Should Cash In 401(k) Or Retirement Funds Before Filing For Bankruptcy

This is FALSE. Retirement funds are protected in bankruptcy. They are exempted from seizure by creditors. If you decide to draw upon your retirement funds prematurely to pay debts to creditors, you will have to pay taxes on them that you may not be able to afford. You should consult with a bankruptcy attorney at The Cook Law Firm, APLC, before drawing any money out of your retirement fund.

Your Family, Neighbors And Friends Will Know You Filed For Bankruptcy

This is FALSE. In most cities, newspapers do not publish the fact that you filed bankruptcy. The filing is usually listed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court public records. However, only banks and creditors usually pay attention to the public record. Most clients who do not discuss their bankruptcy claim with their friends soon learn that most people are unaware of the bankruptcy filing.

If You File For Bankruptcy, Your Creditors Will Still Harass You

This is FALSE. Bankruptcy law provides for an automatic stay. This means that as soon as you file for bankruptcy, creditors are not allowed to contact you. The law prohibits a creditor from attempting to collect from a debtor during an active bankruptcy. After you complete your bankruptcy and receive your discharge, the dischargeable debts are no longer legal debts. In essence, when filing for bankruptcy, you don’t have to worry about debt collection harassment.

Filing For Bankruptcy Could Cost You Your Job

FALSE. Federal law (U.S.C. Sec. 525) prohibits any employer from discriminating against you because you filed for bankruptcy.

You Can Choose Which Debts Or Property You Put Into Bankruptcy

FALSE. You have to list all of your debts. Bankruptcy is not designed to only favor the debtor. It would not be fair to the creditors if you got to pick and choose which debts you could list and which ones you would continue to pay.

If You Are Married, Both Spouses Must File Bankruptcy

If you are married, it is not required by law that you both file for bankruptcy. However, It is important that your bankruptcy attorney determines whether joint filing will be in your best interest. Louisiana is a community property state so, in most situations, you would not need to file with your spouse unless your spouse has debt that was incurred before your marriage.

The goal of this page is to help dispel some of the common myths surrounding bankruptcy and what is involved when one files for bankruptcy. While this can serve as a helpful resource, we recommend giving our expert bankruptcy attorneys a call today at 318-752-3733 if you are considering bankruptcy.