While serving in the military, individuals have the same rights as regular
civilians to file bankruptcy protection in order to save their valuable
assets. However, individuals should keep in mind that certain high-ranking
positions require security clearances that may not be available to people
who have filed for bankruptcy. Nevertheless, there are no legal restrictions
that prevent military personnel from filing for bankruptcy protection
under the
Chapter 7 or
Chapter 13 provisions.
Bankruptcy Can Be a Good Option For Military Personnel
When individuals join the military, there are general expectations for
personnel to maintain a decent standard of living. However, this does
not mean military personnel are somehow immune from financial hardships
or simple accidents. While serving far away from home, it is not uncommon
to see military personnel experiencing financial hardship associated with
their situation. For example, service members may be forced to bear costs
associated with maintenance or simple housekeeping of their assets back home.
Some military personnel members fear filing bankruptcy because they are
afraid it will interfere with their reputation. However, the reality is
that military personnel will have more respect if they can maintain a
strong financial situation. In some cases, filing for bankruptcy can be
a good option that enables military personnel to get back on their feet
financially.
To protect the security of national secrets, the military follows rules
that ensure an individual’s finances are in order. For military
personnel to see classified information, they will have to obtain high-level
security clearances that require extensive background checks. Unfortunately,
this can mean that bankruptcy can have a negative impact on individual’s
ability to work in these positions. The first question generally asked
of military personnel seeking a high-level security clearance is if they
ever had an account delinquent beyond 180 days. Second, military personnel
are generally questioned about whether they have been subject to wage
garnishment in the past. Finally, questions are asked about whether the
military personnel member has ever had any judgments against them. Unfortunately,
it is not uncommon to see these situations associated with individuals
who file for bankruptcy.
The Service Member’s Civil Relief Act
If you are an active military personnel member and want to consider the
possibility of filing for
bankruptcy, it is important that you work with experienced bankruptcy attorney who
understands the implications of bankruptcy law. In recent years, laws
have been passed that offer special rights to military personnel who are
experiencing financial hardship. This law, called the Service Member’s
Civil Relief Act, offers special protections when filing for either Chapter
13 or Chapter 7 bankruptcy. These laws are put in place to help active
military personnel members to focus on their duties, rather than their
financial situation.
This act either prevents or delays:
- Default judgments initiated by debt collectors
- Foreclosure proceedings
- Bank attachments
- Eviction proceedings
- Garnishment of wages
The Service Members Civil Relief Act is generally very beneficial in a
variety of consumer law applications. However, it can also assist military
personnel who are filing for bankruptcy. The law is able to prevent a
wide range of proceedings during the bankruptcy process that could be
detrimental to consumers.
These include:
- Default judgments pertaining to the dischargeability of a debt
- Obligation discharge objections
- Debtor examinations
- Collection actions that occur after bankruptcy proceedings have finished
Special Protections From the Service Members Civil Relief Act
No Need to Pass Chapter 7 Means Test
When ordinary individuals wish to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, they must
first prove that they are within certain income guidelines. In most situations,
income derived from military employment is included for the Chapter 7
means test. The good news is that many individuals who serve in the National
Guard or who are disabled veterans are exempt from the means test associated
with Chapter 7 bankruptcy. However, it is important for individuals to
keep in mind that there are several limitations on this exemption.
Exemption for Disabled Military Veterans
In the court system today, disabled veterans are given special privileges
if their financial hardship is associated with active duty service. Specifically,
the exemption is provided when veterans accrue debt during:
- Active service duty
- Any activity associated with defending the homeland
Exemption for National Guard Personnel
Active members of the National Guard are also given special privileges
to potentially opt out of the Chapter 7 means test.
These exemptions are specifically provided when:
- An individual was involved with defending the homeland for a period of
at least 90 consecutive days - The individual successfully filed for bankruptcy within a period of 18
months after leaving the service
Credit Counseling
In order to file for bankruptcy, there are laws in place the generally
require debtors to first seek credit counseling services. For members
of the military who were active abroad, automatic exemptions from this
counseling requirement are provided.
Veterans Benefits and Their Bankruptcy Implications
Veterans who receive ongoing benefits from their years in service are afforded
certain protections during the bankruptcy process. In many states, a system
is in place where veterans benefits are automatically exempted from bankruptcy
proceedings. However, there are some states that actually attempt to seize
veterans benefits. In some cases, there are still outstanding actions
that veterans can take to prevent their benefits from being confiscated.
In American society, military personnel members are viewed with a degree
of reverence that is seldom afforded to other individuals. While there
are laws in place that penalize military personnel who maintain poor finances,
these laws are not designed to penalize the implications of active duty.
Military personnel who are experiencing hardship should not feel afraid
to declare bankruptcy if it is necessary.
If you have questions about bankruptcy and your options,
contact Allmand Law Firm, PLLC.