So you filed Chapter 13 - who have you told (and who knows)?

[lrprn]

I told my sisters and brother (our parents are deceased), our two adult children, and a few close friends. My husband told no one.

[minan]

Two people in the family know. A couple of close friends. It's hard because some folks can be so judgmental so we keep it private.

[Flamingo]

This is just a curiosity question to see how different people face their Chapter 13.

The only people (other than my wife - duh ) who I've told are my two children who are 28 and 25, and my parents. At this early stage I don't believe anyone else knows. I'm debating telling my brother, but I'm not sure what would happen after that (I love him, just not sure if he'd keep it quiet). I think my wife has told at least one of her two sisters, and I'm not sure about her father yet.

To be honest, I'm the type of person who would go on a Dr. Phil type show and tell my story because it could be a learning process for others. But my wife is just the opposite, so I know that will never happen.

Many people by the time you file realize you are having financial difficulties - you are just not aware they know or will say something to you...co-workers usually overhear conversations at work one may have on the phone with their attorney, spouse, etc. or have to miss a lot of work to take care of the filing and something slips about why one is out. Friends usually know something is up by a change of demeanor, not doing things done prevoiusly, etc. so sometimes it's hard to keep it quiet. Sometimes it's just best to tell those close to you who know or live with you because most of the time they suspect something is up. Bankruptcy brings a lot of anxiety that is hard to hide.

[Guest123]

All our family, close friends and some co-workers know. This was a huge learning experience for us and the best advice came from co-workers that had to file.
We had family memebers that needed BK advice and we shared our experience with them.
We are not embrassed at all and glad our co-workers shared their experience that really helped us. So we will do the same.

[zeezee]

I've only told one of my brothers, my sister and my security officer (because of my clearance). No one else knows (or needs to know as far as I'm concerned) and it's been two years thus far. I'm in a 100% so it's a little easier for me as far as my budget.

[LadyInTheRed]

When I first decided to file, I told a lot of friends. I'd be in social situations and someone would ask what's new, and the BK was foremost in my mind so out it it popped. If anybody judged me, they hid it well. Most expressed concern or wanted to know more about it as a possible solution for them or somebody else they know. All of mine and my husband's family know. We wanted them to know why gifts would be more modest (or non existent) and travel for visits less frequent. My closest work friend knows, but I didn't tell anyone else at work. If somebody's checking what websites I visit at work, they have figured it out by now!

[bam531]

Told my sisters and brothers.and a few very close friends, plus our son and his wife. My parents are deceased but my mother in law is still alive. Definitely NOT gonna tell her...she would be on the phone in a heartbeat telling everyone!! Just waiting for a day when the mailman leaves our mail (from BK trustee )at her house by mistake.. then I am not sure what we will do!!