How can I get a bankruptcy removed from my credit report?
I filed for bankruptcy in 2003. Earlier this year, I filed a dispute with all three credit bureaus for the bankruptcy and also another lien on my report. One credit bureau removed the lien but not the bankruptcy; another removed the bankruptcy but not the lien; and the third refused to remove anything. I was told that a credit bureau has 30 days to respond to your dispute or remove those things from your file.
Since one of them removed the bankruptcy, don’t the others have to also? Or do I just have to wait for the 7 or 10 years to go by and then have it removed?
The price that you pay for filing bankruptcy is that it remains on your credit bureau report for the specified number of years. If you actually went through a formal proceeding and did file for bankruptcy, then it cannot be removed prior to the required number of years. The fact that one of the credit reporting bureaus removed it, was an error on their part, and I suspect that when it is discovered, you will see it back on their report. I’m surprised that they even permitted you to dispute a recorded bankruptcy, after all, it is public record.
You didn’t say if you used a bankruptcy attorney when you filed, but if you did, they would have advised you of the ramifications. If you filed this yourself, and can’t afford legal help, almost every city has a Legal Aid bureau where you will be able to get guidance.
You have to wait out the required seven years to get the bankruptcy removed. Deadbeats like you make the rest of us have to pay for your wild spending and stiff every one lifestyle.
Credit bureaus are required to remove only information that is inaccurate. When you file a bankruptcy, this is a court proceeding and becomes a public record. The credit bureau is under no obligation, and in fact, may be required to show that on your credit report for 7 or 10 years, depending on the state that you live. If some “credit repair” firm tells you that for a low fee, they will have it removed, run away as fast as you can.