If you’re thinking about filing bankruptcy in Wisconsin, especially around Waukesha or Kenosha, I’m guessing at least one of these thoughts has been keeping you up at night:
“Am I going to lose everything?”
“Will my credit be trashed forever?”
“Isn’t bankruptcy just… bad?”
I hear these fears every single day. And honestly? I don’t blame anyone for thinking this way. The myths around bankruptcy are strong — but they’re mostly nonsense.
Let’s walk through the top six fears people bring into my office… and I’ll give it to you straight.
1️⃣ “Am I going to lose my house or car?”
🚗🏡 Nope — not unless you want to.
Wisconsin law has some of the strongest property exemptions in the country. If you’re current, you usually keep both. Even if you’re behind, Chapter 13 can help you catch up over time and stop foreclosure or repossession.
📍 If you’re in Waukesha and behind on mortgage payments — I can help save the house.
2️⃣ “Won’t this ruin my credit forever?”
📉❌ Absolutely not.
Your credit probably took damage before bankruptcy — not because of it. Filing wipes the slate, and I’ve seen clients get new credit cards in 3–6 months, and even FHA loans within 2–3 years.
Bankruptcy doesn’t destroy your credit. It gives it room to breathe.
3️⃣ “I don’t want people to know…”
😳😬 Totally fair — and totally normal.
👉 The Fear: Everyone — your boss, your ex, your landlord, your nosy neighbor — will know you filed.
✅ The Truth: Bankruptcy is public, yes, but it does NOT show up on CCAP.
In Wisconsin, CCAP (the online court record system) shows evictions, lawsuits, and collections — but not bankruptcy. Why? Because bankruptcy is federal, not state. It’s filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, not your local county court.
💡 Most clients tell no one but me. Your employer won’t be notified unless we’re stopping a wage garnishment. And your case won’t pop up when someone searches you on CCAP. That’s huge.
4️⃣ “I probably can’t afford this anyway…”
💰😵 Irony alert: You need bankruptcy because you’re broke… but can’t afford bankruptcy?
That’s why I offer flexible payment plans, and in Chapter 13, I can roll attorney fees into the plan. That means you can file now, get protection, and pay over time — not upfront.
I don’t price people out of help. I meet them where they are.
5️⃣ “What if I mess something up in court?”
⚖️😰 You won’t. I’ve got you.
This isn’t Judge Judy. You’re not on trial. The trustee will ask routine questions — and we’ll go over them together beforehand.
I’ll be right there with you. No surprises. No shame. No tricks. You’re doing the right thing.
6️⃣ “Am I going to lose control of my money?”
🧾🙅♂️ Not even close.
In Chapter 13, yes — you send one payment to a trustee. But you still control your job, your bank account, your spending.
I don’t take over your life. I help you rebuild it.
Real Talk: Bankruptcy Isn’t the End
It’s not failure. It’s not a punishment. It’s a tool — and sometimes the smartest move a person can make.
If you’re in Kenosha, Waukesha, or anywhere in southeast Wisconsin, and you’re overwhelmed by debt, garnishments, repos, or just stress… let’s fix it.
No judgment. No pressure. Just help.
💬 Let’s Talk — Free Consult, No Nonsense
📍 In-person or virtual
📞 Call or text me: 414-306-1977
🌐 Or visit: milwaukeebankruptcylaw.com
“The first step isn’t filing — it’s having an honest conversation. I’ll take it from there.”
— Brent J. Berning
