Advice on bankrubpcy

[lfoster21]

I already know that it's not a great thing to do and honestly I've been going over the pros and cons for a while...but I have no choice anymore. The Cons could outweigh the pros 100 times and I'd still end up having to file. With that all said, has anyone had to file for bankrupcy? If so, do you have to get a lawyer and aprx. how much do they cost. I have seen some adds that look like they cost close to 1,000.00 and I am wondering how a person who has no money could afford to hire a lawyer at that rate. Maybe I am missing something...which is very possible. Also, if anyone has filed on their own, what would be my 1st step? I have gone online and found out where to file in my area, so I plan to call on Mondayand get some information. I'd just like to sound like I know something about what I am talking about, when I call.

Thanks,
LF

[Still in Limbo]

I had to File a Chapter 13 before the Laws changed, and I Used an Attorney, and would Suggest You do the Same, it's Pretty Complicated, at least it was for Me. I was Able to Make Payments with My Attorney, and when the Bankruptcy is Approved if You are going 13, they get Paid from the Monies You Send in. If You are losing Your Home, Car and All, I'm not Sure with the New Laws what Your Steps would be, but I would Still Suggest an Attorney. Sorry to Hear of Your Misfortune, I was Fortunate enough to Finish Mine in 4 1/2 Years, and I saved My Home!! Best of Luck!!

[highdesertguy]

Still in Limbo Wrote:I had to File a Chapter 13 before the Laws changed, and I Used an Attorney, and would Suggest You do the Same, it's Pretty Complicated, at least it was for Me. I was Able to Make Payments with My Attorney, and when the Bankruptcy is Approved if You are going 13, they get Paid from the Monies You Send in. If You are losing Your Home, Car and All, I'm not Sure with the New Laws what Your Steps would be, but I would Still Suggest an Attorney. Sorry to Hear of Your Misfortune, I was Fortunate enough to Finish Mine in 4 1/2 Years, and I saved My Home!! Best of Luck!!

I did file for bankruptcy a few years back; you can get a free consultation with an atty;they do take payments; also if you qualify for chapter 7 wich is elimination of all Debt; you stop paying your credit cards etc; and pay the atty with that money;
now adays you do need the help of an atty;the laws have changed for the worse;and its almost impossible for some people to qualify
your best bet... hire an attorney. good luck

[moretangoner]

i was forced to declare chapter 7 just a few months ago, and although i admit was the last option, has helped me gain control of my finances. i injured my knee at work, and 2/3 wages were'nt paying my bills. i self-filed with the help of a bankrupcy consultant, who although are not lawers still have extensive knowlede of the whole process ( if you find the right one). these consultants are cheaper than lawers but you have to submit all you own paperwork, which can be a pain. all bankrupcy lawers and consultants take payments, but most will not file any paperwork untill you pay them the full agreed upon amount. some will file paperwork while still taking payments. you gotta look around and ask questions, the bbb lists good bankruptcy help. i legally released over 35k in debt, and now have the oppurtunity to start fresh which means i can start saving now! it is a last resort, but can be of alot of help if your finances are out of control.

[lfoster21]

Thank you everyone...(and thank you for not lecturing me on how its the last option that it is the last option that I should consider. I guess we all know that by now, if we have been on this road long enough).

I talked with a lawyer on the phone and told him my story and he said that he would have offered to take 1/3 off his price and of course would take payments...but even with that, he said he felt like he'd be taking too much from me. He gave me somesuggestions for legal aide and said if I can't find someone to do it for free and have no choice, to call him and I can hire him and make payments. But he thinks that legal aide should help me. None the less, he gave me a lot a good info. for free and I realized that if I need more info.

Legal aide has a free workshop that you are required to go to the 1st Monday of every month, where they explain everything, then you meet with a lawyer who decides if you qualify for a bankrupcy, and then if you qualify for a waiver or the filing fees and or another fee that the lawyer fees (or if you qualify for payment plans and a discunt through Legal Aid). From there, they will file for you, if you qualify. So, that is what I am going to do. Unfortunatly, the next class is not until the 14th of May. So, I have a month to wait. I hope I am not evicted by then. I know I will have my electric turned off by then. I will have to come up with a plan for that immediately.

[Lilly]

Hi lFoster

Who the heck are WE to lecture you about your options? I don't believe anyone here would do that....as most have been in your shoes at least once!

One must do what one has to do to come out with the best result.
I will say special prayers for you in hopes of benefits and health on your behalf!
If I could ONLY win a lottery, hubby & I could be of so much help to many!
Take care and good luck! Lilly

[fencer11]

lfoster, Have you contacted the electric company and asked for help? When I was deathly ill (not WC related) the electric company agreed to nut shut us off as long as we provided documentation from a Dr. that I was ill and unable to work. Also, where I live the elec. co. has what is called a "good neighbor fund" where they ask each billing period if you would like to donate $1 to it. If your community has something like that, you may qualify for help.As for the bankruptcy, It is not viewed now as it was 20 years ago, It has become quite common, I'll bet we all know someone that has been through it and just don't know it. Nothing to be ashamed of or embarrased by, do what you need to survive. Best of luck with everything.

[bronco54501]

lfoster21
Back in 2001 I had to decide on that same situation, I had lost several contracts due to under bidding and the wife lost her job. We did everything possible to stay a float, sold 90% of my guns, snowmobiles, you name it I sold it. It wasnt enough, started to pay loans with credit cards, Dr bills, I had no medical coverage. Then I had my proprty logged and took the cash to pay off credit cards. I worked 3 jobs 2 full time and 1 when I had time in-between. I could not make up the income that we lost, so finnaly I gave in to it and filed bankruptcy. I felt terrible but also relieved, we were able to keep a piece of property (made deal with bank) which we sold and stuffed profit in bank within 2 years later I had my income back up and was able to buy our new house. My credit was actually better after we filed cause of all the late fees and non payments. And then I got hurt ( and thats a longer story).

But we do what we have to to survive, somtimes there is no other choice. Do it and get it all behind you, thats my oppinion anyways.

[Still in Limbo]

Fencer is Absolutely Correct about Your Electricity lfoster! Have Your Dr. Fill Out a Form Stating that You are Injured, and Need Your Electricity and they cannot shut You off. Also Explain to any Other Creditor that You are Planning on going to the Workshop in the 14th, and if they Push Eviction before that, Hire that Attorney to Stop the Eviction Pending Your Filing! I'm not Up on the Newest Laws, but You should be able to Stay Off the Mortgage Company until You File! I know it's Tough now, but after You File, Your Life will become Easier!! I Wish You the Very Best!!

[Bad Boy Bad Boy]

lfoster21, the very first thing you need to do, is find your area church. They will help with the electric Bill, and possible some money to help prevent the eviction. They will also provide some food, or a food voucher so you can purchase some food. That is what you need to perform first.

Then as for the electric, you contact them, and ask for a hardship program, and any information they can help you with. Just a statement from your doctor won't be enough.

You also should look for Attorney's in your area that do Pro Bono for bankrupcy. There are many out there.

Also look into Catholic Charties for some help. Both for the bankrupcy, and electric Bill, sometimes also they can help with the eviction.