Collection Agency Harassment? Consumer Counselor & California Attorney Ron Wilcox can help.

    - What you should know
    - A quick overview
    - Common questions

Ronald Wilcox, Esq.
Bankruptcy-Debt Relief Attorney

(408) 296-0400

2160 The Alameda
First Floor, Suite F
San Jose, CA 95126

Question # 14: What affect will bankruptcy have on my credit?

Bankruptcy may appear on a credit report for up to 10 years. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t obtain new credit during that time.

Many people get confused on this topic. Usually that's because creditors warn people that if they file bankruptcy they will ruin their credit for 7 years. What they fail to tell people is that the bankruptcy may appear on a credit report for up to 10 years, but that doesn't mean you can't get credit for 10 years.

Real estate lenders have many loan programs available to those who have bankruptcies discharged for two or more years (see March 1, 1997, real estate section of San Jose Mercury News).
Car dealers bombard Sunday newspapers with ads targeting people who have filed bankruptcy.
More and more creditors are actually trying to get people who filed bankruptcy to keep their cards.

Now, that's not to say that it's easy to get credit after bankruptcy. But, I want you to at least know the truth about bankruptcy!

Don't be fooled by creditors who try to get you believe to that you will be without credit for 10 years. Read Question 2. Can I keep one of my credit cards, Question 3. Can I keep my home and my car, and Question 15. Rebuilding your credit after bankruptcy, if you're still wondering what motivates creditors, and why they may not be telling you the whole truth.

By an act of the United States Congress, I am a debt relief agent helping people file for bankruptcy and/or protecting them from collection agency harassment. The determination of the need for legal services, or debt relief services, and the choice of a lawyer are extremely important decisions and should not be based solely upon advertisements. Law changes from place to place and time to time. This website is not and is not intended to be an advertisement outside the state of California. This website is helpful, but is not meant to be legal advice. Thus, it is not a substitute for meeting with an attorney and obtaining specific legal advice. No attorney client relationship has or will be established with Attorney Ronald Wilcox unless and until a written retainer agreement has been executed. Ronald Wilcox is admitted in California.

For the most part, this web site only discusses chapter 7 bankruptcy. When the word "bankruptcy" is used in this web site, it is only referring to chapter 7 bankruptcy. There are other chapters of bankruptcy. These other chapters may be better for you depending on your particular circumstances. The chapter you choose to file has many consequences. To determine which chapter is best in your situation, you should speak with a qualified bankruptcy attorney.

* Unless you hire us.