Almost over my head!!

[Geisha]

Hello,

I am from Massachusetts and considering Chapter7 very soon. My situation has gone from acceptable to bad in a short period of time. I've recently had a baby and was out of work for three months. I work for a non-profit company so I didn't get paid while I was out of work. The state of Mass has no temporary disability for pregnancy leave. My average take home was about $2000 per month and I carried about $20,000 in unsecured debt but I was able to make the payments while I was workin with the help of my fiance. Since the birth, I had to pay my own health insurance($500 per month) and all my bills with no money coming in, including my car which is paid off in 16 months. My unsecure debt has risen to about $30,000 in four months. I've gone back to work but now have a $600 per month daycare bill and things are getting bad. January is the first month that my bills were late and some were unpaid.

I don't forsee me being able to ever get this paid back. Since I am considered single the debt is all mine and if my fiance were not around my situation would be worse. He is helping all he can but makes a little less than me. At this point in time my bills total $2600 per month while my salary is $2000, my fiance takes up the slack for me. I am at the point where I'm taking cash advances to pay unsuspecting bills and some medical bills. Is chapter 7 and option for me at this point? Any info would be great.

[HRx]

Hi Geisha,

Based on the information you presented, Chp7 would be the most ideal option for you. However, it is imperative that you discontinue using credit to make ends meet. Try rationing as much money as possible by not paying your credit card/medical bills. If you plan on keeping your car, you'll need to get your payments current prior to filing your bankrupty petition.

Good Luck!

[Christina]

Sounds like you're earning money to pay money! I've been there!

You might qualify for at least WIC in your area.

"The Department of Public Health runs the WIC Program. This program provides food checks to pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under age five. To get more information, call the Department of Public Health at 1-800-WIC-1007."

http://mass.gov/portal/index.jsp?pageID=eohhs2terminal&L=5&L0=Home&L1=Government&L2=Departments+and+Divisions&L3=Department+of+Public+Health&L4=Center+for+Community+Health&sid=Eeohhs2&b=terminalcontent&f=dph_wic_g_about&csid=Eeohhs2

For a household size of 2 you can earn up to $23,106 per year in MA and qualify for WIC or $1926 a month or $445 a week. I'm not sure if that's Net or Gross so it couldn't hurt to try calling them and asking.

MassHealth also offers healthcare insurance at a discounted rate to MA residents. Check them out at: http://www.mass.gov/portal/index.jsp...ge&sid=Eeohhs2

You should also qualify financially for some type of childcare/daycare assistance monies through your state's welfare or child services as well.

You should definitely check out this website and see what services might be available to help you and your new baby to stay healthy, safe and happy: http://www.massresources.org/

Be resourceful and hang in there! Good luck!
-Christina

[Christina]

Looks like you def. qualify for childcare assistance as well! ;) http://www.massresources.org/pages.c...&dynamicID=495

What are the financial eligibility requirements?
Your family's gross annual income must be less than 125% of the state median family income (SMI) for your family size. When Community Partnership funds are limited, families with incomes up to 100% of the SMI will have first priority.

Massachusetts State Median Income (SMI)
Effective July 1, 2001
Family size of 2 SMI 100% $46,896 and SMI 125% $58,620

[Dawn1970]

Geisha,
Just wanted to add- Be sure you list the check cashing places in your CH 7 petition. Those debts are dischargeable.

[Geisha]

I do not qualify for any type of public assistance and would prefer not use them.


I have a few more questions: Since I live with my fiance will the courts try to split living expenses in half? His name is on the cable, heat, electric and telepohone but both cell phones are in my name. We never signed a rental agreement with landlord becuse she is a friend of the family. Would I be able to claim rent by myself?

All the credit cards are in my name which total about $26,000. Could the courts try to take back gifts I've purchased or wedding arrangements that I've already paid for such as wedding bands?

I have one car in my name that will be paid off in 16 months.
I own no property and have one IRA with about $500 in it.
I pay 2 school loans that total $195 per month.
I pay $130 per month in car insurance.

As for our daycare, can I claim that as my bill even though he signed as a guardian of our son?

[HRx]

I do not qualify for any type of public assistance and would prefer not use them.


I have a few more questions: Since I live with my fiance will the courts try to split living expenses in half? His name is on the cable, heat, electric and telepohone but both cell phones are in my name. We never signed a rental agreement with landlord becuse she is a friend of the family. Would I be able to claim rent by myself?

All the credit cards are in my name which total about $26,000. Could the courts try to take back gifts I've purchased or wedding arrangements that I've already paid for such as wedding bands?

I have one car in my name that will be paid off in 16 months.
I own no property and have one IRA with about $500 in it.
I pay 2 school loans that total $195 per month.
I pay $130 per month in car insurance.

As for our daycare, can I claim that as my bill even though he signed as a guardian of our son?

Hi,

Your best bet is to simply consider yourself as being a single parent for your bankruptcy. As long as the major purchases you've made using unsecured credit is at least 6 months old, don't worry about having to returnthem.
Based on the information you presented, you'll have an open and shut case. And will have all your debts discharged. Just do not use credit to purchase material items. If you must, use credit to survive - only use it for essentials like groceries and gas - and keep the reciepts.

Good Luck!

[ks1488]

You may wish to visit the following free website...

http://allsolutionsnetwork.com/KS1488

This website provides complete bankruptcy information and services.

Best of luck to you!