When 13 is filed....

[Genenco]

OK, let's try this. (Note, this is scenario only)

I go to lawyer, start paying to have him file the Ch 13.

Now there's the new law, requiring me to go through counseling.

Meanwhile, the CC's and others are doing what?

[AAAArt]

Hounding you. Lowering your credit score. Causing you to lose sleep at night. Making you cringe every time the phone rings. (???)
Sorry, but I know of no easy answer. It's stupid, but you just have to find a way to hold on and get through it until you can actually file.
If you have already gotten a lawyer, you can tell them to contact their office. You can order them to "cease and desist" from contacting you via phone in any collection matter.
Go to the collections section and yoou can read what some people have said and done.
Basically, BK is a series of steps. During each step you are put into some kind of limbo and have stress. The steps each lead to a sigh of relief and then new worries.
One day at a time and a time which now seems an eternity away, it will be history. BTW, those who have reached it, say that it doesn't take nearly as we who are now going through it think.
Just remember that the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is not that we will be wealthy and famous, but we will NOT have bills which we cannot pay and creditors calling.

[whtsamada]

when they say you have to go to credit counseling, what exactly does that mean? One consultation...six months...a year?

[FoolAndHisMoney]

You must go to credit counseling within 6 months prior to filing either chapter 7 or 13 and it's usually to see if you can work out your financial problems before filing. Debtor must pay no more then $50 unless he/she is dirt poor.

[bkfiler]

"Debtor must pay no more then $50 unless he/she is dirt poor."

did i hear someone talking about me and my financial situation in here?

[AnnieG]

when they say you have to go to credit counseling, what exactly does that mean? One consultation...six months...a year?

Also, if you were converting from a CH7 that was started before the new law goes into effect, are you still ruled by the new law (e.g., have to go to credit counseling, minimum 5-year repayment plan, etc)?

[Genenco]

Also, if you were converting from a CH7 that was started before the new law goes into effect, are you still ruled by the new law (e.g., have to go to credit counseling, minimum 5-year repayment plan, etc)?

I believe you'd be ruled by the "Old Law" but you'll have to check with your lawyer.