No longer can stay afloat

relief13035 started a blog post No longer can stay afloat
10-05-2008, 12:54 PM
No longer can stay afloat

We are from California and new to this forum as of today! I have been reading blogs on the forum for about 2 weeks now and many have been quite helpful. I look forward to having all of the bkforum members as support during our Chapter 7 process.

This is us in a nutshell:
We used to make wonderful money until we both lost our job in Feb. 2007 (both worked at the same place). Along with losing my job, came having no health insurance. I had to purchase insurance on my own because the COBRA plan offered was too expensive.

I finally found a new job in Feb. 2008, but it pays only 60% of what my old job paid. After a year of living off credit cards and unemployment, I have a HUGE mess that I can't get out of. I have borrowed from one card to pay the next and so on and so on. There's nothing left to shuffle with! Zero, zilch, nada. Even through all of this, I haven't been late on any bill - not even once. BUT can't juggle anymore.

Last week we went for our free consultation with an attorney. He advised Chapter 7, because we fall below the California means test. We completed our pre-filing counseling class online and went back the following day, presented our certificates, list of creditors and $1500 fee. Attorney advised that they will have our paperwork ready this week to sign and file.

We have a lot of anxiety and just want this to proceed. What steps do I have ahead of me?
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5 comments
- #3
  
  albacore44 commented
  
  12-13-2008, 08:45 PM
  
  Editing a comment
  
  Sounds like your in my neighborhood. would be interested in who you used for your attorney. i consulted one downtown , guys been in business 30 years, but i went in before I found this site so I was not prepared with all my questions. I understand the process much better now. so i'm in the planning stage, and lining up my ducks. sounds like from your post on your 341 the trustee out here is pretty easy.
- #4
  
  LeighRyan commented
  
  12-15-2008, 12:20 PM
  
  Editing a comment
  
  Believe me, the worst is behind. The events leading up to the necissity of filing for protection is the painful part, once you file, you will know peasce like you have not known for a long time. You asked what you have ahead of you, don't waste your anxiety, it is all downhill for you after what you have been through. Once paperwork is filed, the darn phone will stop ringing and you needn't fear going to your mailbox or answering your door. My life has improved drastically since my bk and I have prospered in so many ways that I never would have if not for the experience of having a bk. I am writing a book about my experience. if you would like to include your story I would be happy to print it. Your story, and mine, can give hope to all those who come after us, down this slippery slope clled bankruptcy.
- #5
  
  redwritingmom commented
  
  12-15-2008, 03:24 PM
  
  Editing a comment
  
  I agree with LeighRyan. Ten years after our bankruptcy, I can look back and see life with a greater purpose than I could before. Sadly, our numbers are growing and many, like you, will be seeking emotional support as they move through the process. I have a blog (Hope for the Bankrupt) and a book in progress as well. I urge everyone who has filed to come clean and be as open as we can about our experiences. How else can we break the stigma? In the celebrity world, it's almost trendy to admit an addiction or an affair. Why shouldn't the world better understand that people, like our dear friend who started this post, aren't slackers, but actually hard-working people (for the most part) who have done everything they can to avoid financial failure. We have a broken system and a huge gap in understanding why people file and the pain they experience. Much hope and many blessings to you, Relief13035.
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