Should I file for bankruptcy before a judgment is entered against me in small claims court?
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Should I file for bankruptcy before a judgment is entered against me in small claims court?
I have a total debt of around $14,000 and I’m going to file for bankruptcy. I received a statement of small claim and notice of trial in mail. The amount is for $634 + $50 court costs. I have been advised to wait and see if a judgment is issued first for this amount and then include it in the amount I am filing for bankruptcy. But does a judgment stay on my record? Should I try to avoid a judgment by starting the bankruptcy process?
Asked on September 3, 2011 under Bankruptcy Law, Massachusetts
Answers:
Mark J. Markus / Mark J. Markus, Law Offices of
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
If you're going to file for bankruptcy regardless, there are zero reasons to wait for the small claims case to complete, but either way it will be included as part of your debts that will be discharged in your bankruptcy case.
Mark J. Markus, Attorney at Law
Handling exclusively bankruptcy law cases in California since 1991.
http://www.bklaw.com/
bankruptcy blog: http://bklaw.com/bankruptcy-blog/
Follow Me on Twitter: @bklawr
Mark J. Markus / Mark J. Markus, Law Offices of
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
If you're going to file for bankruptcy regardless, there are zero reasons to wait for the small claims case to complete, but either way it will be included as part of your debts that will be discharged in your bankruptcy case.
Mark J. Markus, Attorney at Law
Handling exclusively bankruptcy law cases in California since 1991.
http://www.bklaw.com/
bankruptcy blog: http://bklaw.com/bankruptcy-blog/
Follow Me on Twitter: @bklawr
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