A recent news article demonstrates that financial hardship can affect individuals from all walks of life, including those who have enjoyed wealth and fame throughout long careers. Many California residents will remember Janice Dickinson from her career as a fashion model in the 1970s. She has also appeared as a judge on the reality television show ‘America’s Next Top Model.’ The former model recently filed for personal bankruptcy, in the wake of serious financial issues.
Despite appearing on multiple reality TV shows and attempting to revive a career in entertainment, Dickinson has experiences a range of financial troubles, including but not limited to amassing a tax debt in excess of $500,000. In addition, her debts include significant amounts owed to at least two plastic surgeons. One of those professionals is the man credited for inventing the use of Botox for reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Depending on the type of tax debt owed and the circumstances surrounding the deficit, Dickinson may be able to eliminate some of that debt through her bankruptcy filing. However, eliminating tax debt through bankruptcy is a difficult task, and is not always possible. The process is likely to lead to the discharge of unsecured debts, which can help Dickinson regain financial stability and give her the ability to pay down any remaining tax debt in the years to come.
As this case demonstrates, achieving wealth and career success does not guarantee that an individual will not suffer financial hardship. Celebrity cases such as this give all California residents a glimpse into the benefits of filing for personal bankruptcy. In addition, these stories help to combat the misconception that bankruptcy only affects individuals who are unable to find success in their financial or professional lives. In fact, many filers emerge from bankruptcy and move on to high levels of achievement in the years that follow.
Source: Total Bankruptcy, “Former Supermodel Janice Dickinson Files for Personal Bankruptcy,” John Clark, April 26, 2013