Few quick Chapter 13 questions?

[Mark80]

I will be meeting for a consultation tomorrow after work, but had a few things I was hoping people could answer for me before I go.

With being behind on some credit cards, and the creditors calling me, how soon in will letters be sent out stopping all this and freezing my accounts? I noticed some people filed but then didn't get to the 341 meeting until 6 months later? During this time will all payments be put on hold? My feeling was to take the money that would of been otherwise paid on all my CC cards and pay off my wifes debt that wont be included in my filing. (including catching my mortgage up which is only a month behind) That way we have as much extra income left as possible once filed.

Do 100% payback people have an easier time getting things done? I am almost positive I will have 100% payback, but even with that I would be coming out way ahead.

For instance:

I pay a total of 1,234 minimum payments a month, if I take my balances and add them up and divide them over 60 months at 100% payback it equals 605.00 a month + all the other fee's. I figured worse case scenario I would still come out 300-400 bucks extra month and be getting things paid off. Paying the minimums as everyone knows gets you no where.

Is this the right thinking, or could they make you payback extra!

And last, how do lawyers usually present themselves to possible clients? Will I be raked over the coals for being horrible managing my credit, or are they like salesmen who want you to be positive and upbeat?

Thanks!

[NowImDownInIt]

During my consultation Saturday, my attorney was not chastising, nor was he treating the situation lightly. He was professional and sympathetic. I don't know if the is the common trend.

I cannot provide a credible answer for your other questions because I don't really have enough experience as of yet.

[busby]

My personal experience is that with respect to my attorney - no one judged. I too was treated with respect and professionally.

Even the 341 meeting that I had worried so much about was basically quick and easy.

Keep in mind that even though your financial situation isn't the best right now - we haven't broken any laws and are asking for protection under federal law.

I'll take responsibility for being in the situation that I'm in - however, with credit card debt then the credit card companies help you fail by offering more credit than you can handle, raising interest rates and basically making it difficult to make the situation better once it's started getting bad.

Please don't worry about anyone treating you badly or judging you for being in the situation you're in. It didn't happen to me and I doubt it will happen to you.

[NowImDownInIt]

LOL... Busby is actually the name of my attorney. Amusing.

[Mark80]

Thanks for the good words guys! I kind of felt the same way about CC companies. And that is where all my debt is from! It was my fault I took them out and charged them up, but as soon as things started to get tight and I was a few days late on a payment here and there they decided the best route was to jack my rates up. This caused a downward spiral I just could not recover from. Now I understand they want to deter people from paying late, but when your stretched and they nail you for a 40.00 late fee, then move your rate up causing your payment to skyrocket it just destroys you.

My biggest fear is obviously making my situation worse, so that is why I asked about the 100% payback. If I could find out if my rough formula is plausable I would feel more at ease!