While a Chapter 7 will remain on your credit report for ten years and a Chapter 13 for seven years, bankruptcy is not necessarily a death sentence to your credit. In fact, it usually raises your credit score.

As a bankruptcy attorney, I use a credit report that indicates a client's current credit score, along with what that credit score will be in approximately one year after filing. In most cases, scores increase an average of 125-140 points. The rare exception is the client who has never been late on his or her payments. The majority, however, are in default on all or most of their debts when they file for bankruptcy.

The fundamental reason bankruptcy raises your credit score is that it lowers your debt-to-income ratio. To calculate your debt-to-income ratio, you divide your debt payments by your gross monthly income. The lower your debt-to-income ratio, the more willing creditors are to lend you money. Since all or most of your debts are discharged, after bankruptcy, you have more disposable income to pay new debts. The fact that bankruptcy can improve your credit may explain why bankruptcy filers often get offers for credit cards and car loans within weeks after their cases are closed.

Credit is not indicative of your character or worth. It is simply a measure of your ability to borrow money, i.e., incur new debt. Bankruptcy is intended to give debtors a fresh start by freeing them from the burdens of debt. Thus, it puts them in a better financial position – one in which they may not have to continue to borrow money to make ends meet.

To find out if the Law Office of Thomas Denny can help better your financial situation, call (716) 800-1234 to schedule a free consultation.