How does bankruptcy affect your credit score and when?

Bump.

You need to see the effect of the bankruptcy after it has cleared the courts. Filing doesn't make it official. It's likely that it will be reflected in your credit rating.

If you want to know now what the effect will be, you might trying calling the credit score company. I don't know whether it will provide this info, but it couldn't hurt.

Well we just went to our hearing this week so hopefully we will see the effect soon - at least so we can be prepared.

You've resurrected a thread that stopped about five years ago.

The author is hopefully doing very well nowadays.

The main issue that discourages most people from filing bankruptcy is the detrimental effect is has on their credit. It’s true that a bankruptcy can stay on your credit report for up to ten years and it seriously hurts your credit score. However, not filing for bankruptcy and allowing your debts to go to collections will also negatively impact your credit.
Depending on the kind of bankruptcy you file, Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13 bankruptcy, your credit score will decrease anywhere from 160 to 220 points. This is enough to take a good credit rating down to a fair or poor one. Since most lenders decide whether or not to extend you credit based on your credit score, a bankruptcy will make it much more difficult to qualify for an auto or home loan or credit cards.
The primary remedy for this is time, though there are additional measures you can take to positively enhance your credit report and score. Ultimately, if you manage your new debts well, your score will gradually increase, and in time you will be able to run your financial life successfully, even if the bankruptcy has not yet dropped off your report.