At The Law Offices of John E. Mufson, clients sometimes ask us how filing bankruptcy will affect their careers. While each case is unique, we can make certain statements with certainty.
Your employer cannot fire you for filing bankruptcy. Doing so is a violation of federal law. However, there is nothing in federal or Florida employment laws that prohibit an employer from refusing to hire someone who has filed bankruptcy in the past. However, few employers run credit checks on job applicants.
If you have any doubt regarding the effect a bankruptcy filing could have on your career, contact The Law Offices of John E. Mufson. In a free consultation, John Mufson can review your situation and provide the guidance you need.
If You Are Seeking Employment
Bankruptcy filings are a matter of public record, and so there is a possibility that a potential employer could learn of your bankruptcy through a credit check or by reading a public notice in a newspaper.
As with other aspects of your history, the best approach to sensitive questions about events in your past is honesty. You should be prepared to answer questions about your bankruptcy. One approach might be to cast your bankruptcy in a positive way — that you recognized your debt problem, and that you took proactive measures to get your debts under control. Besides, many of America’s most successful business people have filed bankruptcy, and used that opportunity to go on to build successful enterprises.
“How will bankruptcy affect my career?”
Generally speaking, filing bankruptcy will not affect your career in any significant way. One possible exception is if you have federal security clearance, but even in this circumstance, there are ways to protect yourself. Attorney John Mufson can discuss your options.
