Ellicott City, MD Security Clearance and Bankruptcy Lawyers

Experienced Bankruptcy Lawyers Protecting Security Clearances for Military Personnel or Government Employees in Ellicott City, Maryland

It is not easy to get a security clearance. First, there is a lot of hard work that goes into reaching the career level where you need one. Then, there is the actual process of getting your clearance, which can be quite intensive and invasive. Many areas of your life are examined, from your criminal history to your personal finances. Security clearance agencies are trying to determine your level of personal responsibility. A bankruptcy can reflect negatively on you, but it is not a disqualifier.

Why you filed for bankruptcy, whether you choose Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, and whether there were any extenuating circumstances are all important factors that may be considered in these situations. It is important to work closely with an attorney who is experienced in helping military personnel and others who work for the government get or protect their security clearance despite a bankruptcy filing.

Law Offices of Marc A. Ominsky, LLC will do all we can to avoid jeopardizing your security clearance and your career during the bankruptcy process. We understand how hard you have worked to get where you are, and we will strive to keep your bankruptcy from harming your career. In our more than 50 years of combined legal experience, we have helped people in all lines of work find debt relief through bankruptcy.

Anyone can find themselves in this position, even if you have practiced responsible spending and saving. Even a relatively minor setback like an unexpected medical bill or home repair can send your financial affairs spiraling into chaos. Our experienced Ellicott City, MD bankruptcy attorneys will advocate for you and structure our representation around your need to protect your security clearance.

Understanding How Bankruptcy May Affect a Security Clearance

Security clearance agencies understand that anyone can find themselves in debt. Simply being in debt is not a problem in and of itself. Most educated people have student loan debts, and those who have had significant illnesses or injuries may have some medical debt. Managing your debt poorly is often considered more problematic than filing for bankruptcy to address your debt.

If you are falling behind on payments and are at risk of foreclosure, or if you are starting to get calls from debt collectors, filing for bankruptcy can be one of the most effective ways to bring your financial situation under control. Taking this step can show the security clearance agency that you are doing what you can to pay back your debt and prevent it from growing.

Some of the factors that the security clearance agency you work with are likely to find relevant include:

• How the Debt Came to Be: Going into debt for reasons that were largely beyond your control or due to a failed business venture is likely to be viewed more favorably than going into debt due to reckless spending.
• Which Type of Bankruptcy You Choose: Chapter 13 bankruptcy involves a restructuring of your debts and a repayment plan that lasts from three to five years. Using this type of bankruptcy shows a commitment to repaying as much of your debt as you reasonably can. Chapter 7 bankruptcy involves liquidating your non-exempt assets to help pay back your creditors. If you have few or no non-exempt assets, your creditors will likely receive little repayment.
• Extenuating Circumstances: If you experienced a hardship like a job loss, a divorce, or a serious illness, your bankruptcy is more readily excusable. These personal crises can affect anyone, no matter how financially responsible they may be.
• Why You Chose to File: Filing for bankruptcy is often seen as the responsible decision when your debt has become unmanageable. If you are struggling to keep up with payments and are facing financial strain as a result, filing for bankruptcy can show that you are taking steps to take control of the situation.
• Your Pre-Bankruptcy Spending: If you have been making good faith efforts to repay your debt and have avoided luxury purchases, this can be viewed favorably.

Contact Our Ellicott City, Maryland Bankruptcy and Security Clearance Lawyers

Law Offices of Marc A. Ominsky, LLC is committed to helping government workers and military personnel keep their security clearances after filing for bankruptcy. Our knowledgeable Ellicott City, MD bankruptcy attorneys will do all we can to cast your bankruptcy in the most favorable light possible. Contact us at 443-539-8712 for a complimentary consultation. We offer military discounts.