Can Filing Bankruptcy Get You Fired? by Jim Brown

After your family, your job is one of the most important things to protect. It is, after all, your livelihood. For that exact reason, the bankruptcy code has built in protections for your job. The code actually prohibits employers for firing you solely because you filed bankruptcy. It is important to remember, however, that Missouri is an "at-will" employment state. That means that your employer can fire you for any reason they see fit, as long as it isn't illegal as in the case of firing for a bankruptcy. So, don't slack off because you think you are protected from being fired for anything while filing bankruptcy.

Some still think that their bosses will think poorly of them for filing bankruptcy. In my experience, I've discovered that isn't usually true. If your wages are being garnished or you are receiving harassing creditor calls at work, it is likely that your boss already knows you are in debt. Filing bankruptcy shows that you can take responsibility for your debt. It proves to your boss that when you have a problem, you can look for an effective solution. It can generate respect rather than disappointment.

What if you have a security clearance for work? How will that be affected? Never in my more than 15 years experience have I had a client's security clearance revoked. That doesn't mean that it can't happen, of course, but it does mean that the chances of it happening are slim at best.

If your job requires a security clearance, you probably already know the requirements that go into getting approved. Typically, they just want to make sure you are not the kind of person who may feel like you would have no choice but to share top secret information or do so in exchange for money. Being under a lot of stress from debt may make you more likely to do that. Filing bankruptcy, however, shows that you are taking responsibility for your debt.So, if your security clearance is up for review, just make sure that you are truthful about your situation and character and you will be fine.

It isn't really bankruptcy that has a negative effect on your life; it's debt. And the best way to combat that negative force is to get relief through a system proven to be safe and completely effective. Bankruptcy will change your life—for the better.


Missouri bankruptcy attorney Jim Brown is the owner and founder of Castle Law Office in St. Louis, Missouri. He has written five consumer guides, including his immensely popular debt relief guide, "Get Out of Debt: Secrets Your Creditors Don't Want You to Know." To request a free copy of the book or just get more information on bankruptcy, you can visit his website at http://www.CastleLaw.net .

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