Concord, CA Bankruptcy Law Firms & Lawyers

Filing a bankruptcy is not a secret. Almost everything that happens in or in relation to courts in America is public. On the other hand, only your creditors get notice of the bankruptcy, and your employer if you file a chapter 13. So it is unlikely that your neighbor down the street, or your child's kindergarten teacher will find out. Don't be concerned about embarrassment keep you from doing what you need.

The time period may vary because different states may have different Local Rules so you should ask a lawyer in your state. If you are in a situation where you have filed for chapter 13 but are having difficult making the monthly payments and are trying to find out about converting from a Chapter 13 to a Chapter 7: I think the answer is that you can do so anytime.

Credit Unions are a strange breed, and are held to different standards. If your case was the same as the others you mentioned, I'd see a lawyer and sue for discrimination (one can't be discriminated against for filing BK). However, if you surrendered your property and they took a loss, they will treat you differently. They're known for such ploys as freezing your accounts, not allowing you to do business except inside the building, not using electronic banking, etc. So check a bit into the circumstances of these others and then look to your lawyer to sue or to refer you to one who can.