Most in Akron arrive at the decision to file for personal bankruptcy after a lot of thought and heartache. However, the stigma that was once associated with those who filed for bankruptcy has all but disappeared in recent years. As such, those who choose to make this decision needn’t hide from it; on the contrary, many may view their willingness to face scrutiny for it as a sign of good character. The general public has shown, for the most part, to be very understanding of such a personal decision. Yet, as with most other aspects of life, there’s a right way and a wrong way to handle things. By handling the news of one’s bankruptcy poorly, he or she opens the door to criticisms that he or she probably hoped to avoid.
Such appears to be the case with a Connecticut man now facing public scrutiny after it was revealed that he had filed for personal bankruptcy only after he had been elected as the area’s new Fist Selectman. He had reportedly run on the premise of being a responsible manager and a fiscal conservative. The man has yet to comment on his decision to withhold this information from local voters.
Many people face financial struggles in life, and thus, typically understand the stress one faces when dealing with debt. Yet trying to hide from one’s need to seek bankruptcy protection or, worse yet, allegedly betraying the public’s trust on the matter for personal gain can quickly make that empathy disappear. For advice on the correct way to properly seek Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection, and how to deal with the aftermath, one may wish to consult with a bankruptcy attorney.
Source: CBS Connecticut “Brookfield’s First Selectman-Elect in Bankruptcy” Nov. 18, 2013