Bankruptcy Blog
Can I Get a Credit Card After Bankruptcy in Virginia?
Quick Answer Yes — and you should. Getting a secured credit card immediately after your bankruptcy discharge is the single fastest way to begin rebuilding your credit. Many Virginia filers are approved for a secured card within days of their Chapter 7 discharge. By...
How Long Does Bankruptcy Stay on Your Credit Report?
Quick Answer Chapter 7 bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 10 years from the filing date. Chapter 13 stays for 7 years. These are the legal maximums under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The negative impact on your score decreases significantly after year 1–2,...
How to Rebuild Credit After Bankruptcy in Virginia
Quick Answer Most Virginia bankruptcy filers begin rebuilding credit within 6–12 months of discharge by getting a secured credit card, making all payments on time, and keeping balances low. Many Merna Law clients are mortgage-ready within two years of their Chapter 7...
Will My Employer Find Out I Filed Bankruptcy in Virginia?
Quick Answer In most cases, no. Employers are not notified when you file bankruptcy. The only exception is if your wages are currently being garnished — in that case, the court sends your employer a notice to stop the garnishment. Federal law also prohibits...
How Much Does It Cost to File Bankruptcy in Virginia?
Quick Answer Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Virginia involves a court filing fee of $338 and attorney fees that vary by firm. Chapter 13 has a $313 filing fee and higher attorney fees because of the complexity of plan preparation and a multi-year case. Merna...
What Happens to My Tax Refund If I File Bankruptcy in Virginia?
By John G. Merna, Esq. | Last Reviewed: June 2026 | The Merna Law Group, P.C. Quick Answer Your tax refund may be considered an asset in bankruptcy. In Chapter 7, a refund you are owed at the time of filing may be partially or fully claimed by the bankruptcy trustee....