Yes. As an attorney practicing bankruptcy law in Asheville, NC, I counsel people all the time who are concerned about how friends and neighbors will react to a bankruptcy filing. First of all, in the majority of cases, the only folks who find out about a case are your creditors, the trustee, your attorney, and anyone you tell. I keep all of my clients’ information completely confidential.
Take care of your family, then pay your doctor
If you have a special relationship with a single creditor, like a family doctor, you may immediately pay them back however much you want to after we file your case. What I recommend is calling that creditor, letting them know you are going through a tough time financially, and that you intend to pay their debt back even though you don’t have too, legally. Normally, this act results in the doctor appreciating you even more as a patient and friend.
More important, however, is that you take care of your family first before any creditors. Using bankruptcy as a financial tool frequently results in more money being available in your household budget. The primary concern for most of my clients, with the extra money, is to help their families eat better food, receive better medical care, and live in a better housing situation. In my opinion, establishing your family’s well-being as your top priority is the morally responsible thing to do. After that, your family doctor may be next in line.
If you would like to figure out what type of relief is available for your family, contact me for a free, initial bankruptcy consultation.
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