Applying for Jobs with a Criminal Record: Know Your Rights
Things To Know About Filing For Bankruptcy
Michelle Garrett
Are your debts accumulating to the extent of you being unable to live your life without the burden of debt collectors demanding a payment? If you do not know how to stop the demands because you are not in a financial position to pay the debts back, the ideal resolution might be to file for chapter 7 bankruptcy. If you decide to file for bankruptcy, keep in mind that not everyone gets approved after their documents are filed with the court. For example, depending on your situation and how the bankruptcy documents are filled out, a judge will decide whether to approve your case or not. If you get help from a bankruptcy lawyer rather than going through the filing process on your own, your chance of approval will be higher.
What Does It Mean to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Filing for chapter 7 bankruptcy is the fastest way to get rid of the responsibility of paying debt collectors. If a judge approves the documents, all or most of your debts will be forgiven so you can start rebuilding your credit. A trustee will be appointed with the job of assessing your assets to determine if they can be sold to pay a portion of the money owed back to your creditors. Hire a lawyer to ensure that you include all your assets and to determine if any of the assets are exempt from being included in your bankruptcy case. You should actually hire a lawyer before filing for bankruptcy because they can perform a means test to give you an idea of whether you are even qualified.
Are There Negative Aspects to Filing for Bankruptcy?
The biggest problem that many people have with filing for chapter 7 bankruptcy is the long-term effects on their lives. For example, once filing for bankruptcy is on your record, it makes creditors less open to approving loans, especially when dealing with real estate. If you want a home loan in the future, there is the risk of the application being denied due to your bankruptcy record. If there are any other concerns that you should know about, a lawyer can give you an explanation. They will also provide insight regarding whether filing for chapter 7 bankruptcy is ideal for your situation or if you should settle your debts using a different method.
What if Debt Collectors Continue to Demand Payments?
It is possible that debt collectors will continue to demand payment after you have successfully completed filing for bankruptcy. However, continuing to demand payment is breaking the law and a lawyer can help you resolve the situation. A lawyer can communicate with the debt collectors on your behalf to let them know that you are not legally obligated to pay the debts back anymore. If the demands continue, further legal action can be taken.
Contact a local bankruptcy lawyer to learn more.
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I'll be up front: I have a criminal record. As someone who's spent lots--and lots--of time looking for a job in my life, I've gotten used to being up front with this fact. It's difficult to get hired with this on my record, and frankly, it never gets less scary to have to tell an interviewer about it. But that doesn't mean I'm unemployable. I'm a hard worker who can bring a lot to any company. And I also know what an employer needs to do for me. I know my rights. There's no federal law protecting me from discrimination due to my record, but there are plenty of state laws that make it a little easier for me. If you're looking for a job and you have a criminal record, read through this information. Protect yourself during a job search. Know your rights.