A common question you might have after filing for bankruptcy is how long will it remain on my credit report? When you file for bankruptcy, it is considered “public record” and is maintained by the court where the case was filed.
Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, bankruptcies can be reported for 10 years from the filing date. The three major credit reporting agencies will remove Chapter 13 bankruptcies seven years from the date the case was filed. This type of bankruptcy involves paying some or all of the debt back over time.
Chapter 7 is a more straightforward bankruptcy and eliminates almost all unsecured debts, including credit card debt and medical bills allowing consumers to gain a fresh start financially. Chapter 7 bankruptcy can remain on a consumer’s credit report for up to 10 years.
However, there are ways to speed up the removal process. Removing a bankruptcy requires filing a separate dispute with each of the three major credit bureaus. This dispute can either be over inaccurate information in your credit report or an inquiry to the credit bureau about how your bankruptcy was verified. This process is lengthy, but it can be worth it.
While you are waiting for your bankruptcy to be removed from your credit report, make an effort to rebuild and improve your credit. It is a bankruptcy myth that you cannot rebuild your credit after filing for bankruptcy. Make sure you have accurate and positive credit information moving forward.
If you have any questions on this topic or are in a financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade Garcia McMaken has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.
Related Resources:
http://blog.credit.com/2013/04/when-can-i-get-a-bankruptcy-off-my-credit-report-65750/