Filing For Bankruptcy As A Firefighter Or EMT
Are you a firefighter or EMT who is dealing with a huge burden of debt? Financial difficulties can be extremely stressful, and your high-pressure job requires that you be alert and focused 100% of the time – lives depend on it. Depending on your situation, filing for bankruptcy can be a practical and expedient way to get out of debt and start over with a fresh financial slate. However, there are some considerations for firefighters and emergency response professionals who file for bankruptcy. Here’s what you need to know.
Filing for bankruptcy can help you eliminate your debt and create a clear financial future. Get the help you need with a free consultation. Contact us today.
Understand The Process First
Becoming informed about the bankruptcy process ahead of time is the key to making the filing go as smoothly as possible. There are a number of steps you need to take in order to file for bankruptcy, so it’s best to work with an experienced legal counsel who can help guide you through the process. Choose an attorney who will take the time to explain the bankruptcy process in detail and answer any questions you may have.
Be Transparent
If you are in debt and have poor credit, it is critical that you be very transparent with both your attorney and the courts regarding your financial details. If your employer or the court discovers that you have intentionally tried to hide or withhold an important financial detail, it can be held against you. An experienced bankruptcy lawyer can help you determine what information should be shared with the courts and with your employer and when.
Background Checks And Security Clearance
Many firefighters and paramedics are held to the same high standards as individuals in law enforcement positions. In many cases, background checks and investigations into moral character and ability to handle pressure and stress are part of the hiring process. Some departments will also review credit scores and credit history. As always, an experienced attorney can help determine what should be disclosed to an employer or potential employer based on an individual’s specific circumstances.
Take The Right Steps
If you are a firefighter or EMT and filing for bankruptcy, the worst thing you can do is to ignore the event. Thousands of people file for bankruptcy each year, and each person’s circumstances is different. It’s important to remember that every bankruptcy application is considered on a case-by-case basis, and the steps you take to help resolve your issue can shed a favorable light on your case. Filing for bankruptcy does not translate to automatic disqualification from or termination of a job.
Choose The Right Attorney
Bankruptcy is a fully legal and legitimate way to get your financial future back on track, but it’s critical that you choose the right attorney. There are strict laws against discriminating against anyone for having a history of bankruptcy or bad credit. An experienced lawyer, who well-versed in Maryland bankruptcy law, can guide you through the process efficiently. Contact us for a free consultation.