Just Ask Jude

There is no good clear answer. In "at will" employment states, your employer can fire you for no reason or any reason. The Bankruptcy Code provides that debtors cannot be discriminated against for filing bankruptcy, but there are no cases amplifying the meaning of that section in an employment context. The only exception would be where a security clearance or a bond is required for a job, in which case, the bankruptcy would make the person ineligible for the job.

There is no reason for you to tell your employer that you have filed bankruptcy. Filing bankruptcy is public record, so it is possible that your boss could find out if he/she was looking. In most cases, your employer isn't going to care as long as you are doing your job. So, don't worry about who "knows" if you file a bankruptcy case.  It is not as big a deal as it used to be.

Filing bankruptcy is a matter of public record. Anyone who wants to view the public record can do so and see that you have filed.

Certainly. You do not have to let your friends, family or spouse know that you are filing bankruptcy. Of course, it is public record, so anyone who goes looking could find out if they wanted to.