Should I file for bankruptcy before a judgment is entered against me in small claims court?

Question Details:

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 9/3/2011 under Bankruptcy | 144 View(s) | More Legal Topics

Are you an attorney? Sign up to answer this question.

Bankruptcy Law Answers

Mark J. Markus / Mark J. Markus, Law Offices of Answered 8 months ago | Contributor This attorney is licensed in California

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