One of the many hesitations you may have regarding bankruptcy is the opinions of others surrounding this decision. For many people, worrying about what other people will think can be incredibly overwhelming. If you are worried about what your employer will say in particular, understanding whether or not your boss will find out about your decision is critical. The following blog explores what you should know about this process and why working with an Orange County consumer bankrutpcy lawyer is critical.
Will My Employer Be Informed About My Decision to File for Bankruptcy?
If you are worried about your employer discovering your decision to file, it’s important to understand that this is unlikely. In general, you’ll find that your employer will not be contacted regarding your decision. First and foremost, you should note that you are not under any legal requirement to inform your employer about your decision. However, this does not mean they will not find out that you have filed for bankruptcy.
When you file for bankruptcy, it becomes a public record. This means that information regarding your case will be available online. However, you’ll find that the majority of people do not know how to access this information and often have no desire to try to find out if someone has declared bankruptcy.
You should also note that if your wages are being garnished, your employer will be aware of your financial troubles. Wage garnishment generally means that your employer withholds a portion of your income to send to the creditor. As such, if these payments suddenly stop it can be an indication that you have made the decision to file, as the automatic stay is put in place.
Can My Employer Fire Me For My Decision?
In the event your boss does discover your decision to file for divorce, you may be worried about how they will react. Generally, this will not impact your professional life. In fact, your employer may even show concern for you as this is understandably a very difficult time.
It’s imperative to understand that your boss cannot fire you for this decision, even if they, for some reason, are unhappy with this choice. This is considered retaliation and it is illegal. As such, if you are fired, demoted, your pay is reduced, or you are harassed over this decision, this is considered a hostile work environment and your employer can be held liable for their actions.
If you are ready to file for bankruptcy, it’s imperative to understand the importance of connecting with an experienced attorney. Bankruptcy is an incredibly complicated process and without an attorney, you are more likely to make mistakes that delay this process and can even lead to legal issues. At the Law Offices of Michael D. Pinsky, we understand how complicated this process can be. That’s why ou dedicated legal team will do everything possible to make this process as simple as possible. Contact us today to learn more.
