what to do in meantime

[newleaf]

Hi everyone,

I've found this forum both helpful and comforting. Last week I took the scary step of calling a family friend who is an attorney to ask for a recommendation for a bk lawyer in my district. It wasn't quite as bad as I'd feared.

So I intend to proceed with meeting with an atty and very likely filing chapter 7 (I pass the means test for my state very easily). My question is regarding what to do about my payments in the meantime. I make 4 monthly credit card payments that are killing me. I have an understanding landlord, which is the only thing that has saved me. Earlier this month I spent 10 whole days with $-0.12 to my name.

Under the assumption that I'm going to file (I don't really see another option), should I just stop making payments and live with the daily collection calls until I file, or will this make things worse? Should I make regular monthly payments of whatever I can afford ($10 or $20???). My FICO score is already about 490, so how much worse could it get, right?

Also, a related concern: I have a payment plan with 2 of the cc companies that are about to expire. These payments are deducted from my checking account. Can the cc companies start taking money from my acct without permission?

Thanks,
-Trying to remember to breathe

[AngelinaCatHub]

Stop paying and use your money for the lawyer. You CC that you have an agreement, how close to finishing them, and yes they can raid your checking account so close and change it. Read more here and you will see this all over the place. You are right, your credit rating can't be made worse so there is only one way, UP. 'Hub

[newleaf]

Oh great! Another thing to worry about. Thanks for the warning, though!

[magyar123]

Close your bank accounts that you are currently using to pay your CC bills, and go with a different bank. If you really want to make further payments make them with money orders.