Expert: Terry Leeders - 12/27/2008

Question
When someone files for bankruptcy and then later someone does a google search for that person's name (assuming this person is not famous)would his name appear with the word "bankrupt"? In other words, besides going to the courthouse and doing research, could anyone stumble upon the fact that someone else went bankrupt and is it possible to keep it hidden from friends, associates and family?

Answer
Generally no.  The information is public, but the court records are not linked to google,as there is a cost to search the bankruptcy court records.  The information would be on your credit report.  The information about the court hearing and motions may appear in your local legal paper, such as the Daily Law Bulletin in Chicago.