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Frequently Asked Questions
These questions and answers are provided only as general information, and only for Wisconsin residents. They are not intended as legal advice for any specific situation, and you should not rely on any of this information for that purpose. Can bankruptcy eliminate judgments that have been taken against me? Yes, in Wisconsin. Except in rare circumstances, judgments can be eliminated. I don't want to file bankruptcy. Are there bankruptcy alternatives, other ways to solve my debt problems? Yes. For example, a very simple Wisconsin procedure can let you pay off your credit card debt without interest. In addition, I can help you negotiate debt down and work out settlements. If I file bankruptcy, will I lose my house or car? Most people are able to make agreements with their house and car lenders to treat those debts as though the bankruptcy had not happened. These are called reaffirmation agreements. Once you make this sort of agreement, you continue making your regular house or car payments. Reaffirmation agreements have serious legal consequences. You should discuss those consequences with a bankruptcy lawyer before signing such an agreement. Will I have to go to court many times? Most bankruptcy cases require just one brief appearance, though complex cases can require multiple appearances. I'm behind on my house payments. Can bankruptcy help? If you can catch up the amount you're behind over 3 to 5 years, then a Chapter 13 might be able to save your house. Can bankruptcy help with tax debts? Bankruptcy can eliminate some income tax debts. Others cannot be eliminated and must be paid after the bankruptcy is over. Collection agencies are driving me crazy with phone calls. What can be done? Under certain laws, many collection agency practices are illegal. If you file bankruptcy, the court will order that all such calls must stop. I filed bankruptcy previously. If I filed before, can I file again? That depends on what kind of bankruptcy you filed, and how long it has been since you filed. You should consult a bankruptcy lawyer about your specific facts. Will I ever get credit again? If you start over by paying bills on time and using credit carefully, you will probably be able to rebuild your credit rating over a couple of years. Will my name be in the newspaper? The old practice of publishing the names of people who file bankruptcy is not common in Wisconsin now. Such cases are a matter of public record, so a newspaper could publish it, but it doesn't happen very often, in my experience.
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