I need to file for bankruptsy...i have sooo many questions.HELP

[bostonmommy]

Hi,
Im a single mom, a nurse out of work, and not able to make ends meet on the basic needs of everyday life. Im currently 23,000 in debt and make only 510.00 a month and live in public housing. A far cry from where i was a few years ago. I tried to keep up with my bills, but now im litterally drowning. I have heard so much negative stuff about bankruptsy but have also heard alot of good things about it too. i think i have made up my mind that its gonna have to happen and thats that. Could someone tell me what i need to expect when i start all this stuff. I already sat down and wrote out all my creditor, and that was a big slap of reality. Are they gonna come and litterally take my t.v off my wall and my bedroom set or my sons t.v, or my 1999 tauras thats worth about 1000.00 right now? Is it a quick process? Should i stop tryin to pay anything to these creditors that are calling me even if its gonna take some time to get up the money to file? I found a lawyer, but his price is $299.00 for the 1st meeting to hand in my creditor information and then it another 1600.00 to file for the bankruptsy. Does this sound like alot? Im already living paycheck to paycheck and just getting by, so what should i do? I really need some help....Anybody PLEASE help me. any information will do.
Thanks,
Stacy from Boston, Massachusetts

[Phillymanhere]

First thing to do is to read through these forums ... read through lots of them and you'll educate yourself about this process.

No, no one is going to come to your house and take your items ... are you still paying on the Taurus? ... If you're not no one will take it ...

You do not have a lot of income, and presumably you don't have many expensive luxury items ... so chill about all of that ...

The fees mentioned by your lawyer are actually quite low, actually suspiciously so ... I have a lawyer who is on a low end of fees in Philadelphia and he's charging $1,500. You might wanna meet with other lawyers first. You can get free consultations.

In fact, as I write this, I'm thinking you need to meet with several lawyers and ask the questions you're asking here.

Yes, people on this board recommend you stop paying your creditors once you decide you're going to file for bk. Use that money to save up to pay the attorney. Yes you will get calls ... But when you hire the attorney, usually they allow you to refer calls to them. Attorneys vary on this: some allow you to refer calls to them upon a down payment. A few (like my lawyer) require full payment before you can refer calls to them.

Read through the boards and get educated. You'll be reassured and you'll gain power as you learn more about the process.

[keepmine]

The big issue you have now is low income and not debt.
Bk is always available to you. I'd focus more on getting a better job right now. After all, you have to be able to support yourself post bk.

[Flamingo]

Two things jumped out at me from your posting - you are a single mom; where is the dad and do you receive child support? Secondly, you state you are a nurse, out of work, and I find that hard to believe although I know some cities are just doing worse than others. Nurses are in extreme demand everywhere unless there is something holding you back as to your position. Your debt is low and you need a fresh start but in order to do well after that fresh start (if you file), relocating to an area where there is a demand for nurses would benefit you, find a job and go back and further your nursing degree. Whoever is your child's father should be supporting that child.

Bankruptcy is not free - there are filing and attorney's fees involved. However, since you are in public housing and I am assuming receiving public assistance, contact Legal Aid in your county. They can help you.

Get through this, dust yourself off and better your nursing career - it will pay off in the next several years.

[ready2puke]

Her attorney wants the filing fee up front...at least thats what it looks like to me 299.00
Why would you say thats suspiciously low? $1600? That doesnt seem that low, more like middle of the road. Now my first attorney in LA was 750 plus filling fee. Now thats suspiciously low...as he was a bad attorney and now his website is even down for updating..yea right..

[laurannm]

BostonMomMy - I am going to send you the name of our attorney via private message. We too are in the Boston area and our attorney is located in downtown Boston. He charged us $1800 and we are an above median case (that included the filing fee), and did an outstanding job.

I have to agree with the other posters...you want to try and better your employment situation first before filing. Also, put in the time and read as much as you can on these boards. The information found on here is invaluable.