So, a Fresno bankruptcy can actually start you on the way to good credit? This is a critical question to ask your Fresno Bankruptcy Attorney. First of all, you need to understand that the old adage: “the bigger they are – the harder they fall.” Comes into play here.

If your credit is in the 700’s or higher. It is true that your credit is going to take a significant drop after filing for bankruptcy. However, most people that file bankruptcy have been struggling to keep up their payments for a long time. So their credit is already in the 500’s or so.

The way credit companies rate your credit has to do with the high balances you carry on your credit cards and how many slow pays that show up on your credit report. Once you file for bankruptcy, the balances are wiped to zero and the credit companies can no longer report any late payments.

So your credit slate has been wiped clean. Typically a person will see a big drop in their credit for a short time, but as you start to make smart financial decisions your credit will begin to grow. Your late payments no longer appear and you don’t show high balances.

People often receive an offer for a credit card within 6 to 9 months of filing for bankruptcy. Of course the rates are very high. If you choose to to accept a credit card, be careful! Only use the credit card for gas and incidentals and pay it off every month.

After a year or so, you’ll be able to purchase a car on credit. But don’t run out and purchase the car of your dreams. Look at that car as a credit tool. Buy a car that represents very affordable monthly payments that you can pay off in three years. Remember, this car is not your dream car. It’s a car to get you back into the American Dream. It will help you re-establish credit.

In conclusion, people often ask if bankruptcy will ruin their credit. The true fact is, most people already have bad credit and the quickest way to start a new credit life is through a thoughtful bankruptcy.

Obviously, each person needs to make the decision to declare bankruptcy with caution and with sound legal advise. We suggest you contact a Bankruptcy Attorney in Fresno to explore all of your options.

You can contact the Winter Law Group at