My Bankruptcy Story

[6ftladycop]

Recently I made a decision to file bankruptcy. I was told so many different things and I used this forum to help and guide me through what is already a very depressing and demeaning journey. However, I decided today that I would try and help anyone in my position by posting all that I am going through and what I have done so far. That way if someone here is in the same position as myself, they will be able to get help based on my experiences as I have based on you guys.

1. June-07 after checking bank accounts and pay stubs, became aware that this month would be the first month of not being able to pay any credit cards, personal loans, student loans and retirement loans their monthly installments as I have done in the past. Because of a reduction in my monthly income, I do not have enough to cover all these payments to creditors.

2. June-29-07 started making inquiries to various places, people and books about ALL THINGS BANKRUPTCY so I could educate myself on all that might, will or would happen to me once I was unable to pay my creditors. I am trying to be prepared for anything that might happen eventually.

3. July-19-07 was my first trip to Bankruptcy Court. I have not filed yet, I was there at the advice of my paralegal for Legal Assistance in my city at the HelpDesk located in the same building as the bankruptcy court. The folks there will give you the papers, give you phone numbers for the debt counseling class necessary before filing BK, give you a form to waive fee for debt counseling class if you can not pay, have an attorney look over your paperwork and tell you what to fix, correct, change etc before filing the BK, they give you information about getting the court filing fee waived or paid in installments if you can not pay, they determine all this based on your information on the BK paperwork that the attorneys look over. I have to say that its a lot of footwork, internet access, phone calling etc, but I am sure that most of you know its worth it in the end when you eventually get discharged.

4. I took the paperwork home and I have been comparing my credit reports that I requested(they sent me all 3 for free with no obligations) and it makes filling out the BK paperwork a lot easier when you have names, addresses, account numbers, amounts, last payments received etc to document on the official BK papers. I am almost finished with the paperwork.

5. Lawyers will look at the paperwork on July-27-07 and determine what my next move will be.

[HenriettaHen]

Trust a 6ftLadyCop to keep such a useful log of events. I think you are well on your way to "Fresh Start" !

You will help others with your perspective and your time line of personal experiences.

An inspiration !

[6ftladycop]

RE: My Bankruptcy Story

Recently I made a decision to file bankruptcy. I was told so many different things and I used this forum to help and guide me through what is already a very depressing and demeaning journey. However, I decided today that I would try and help anyone in my position by posting all that I am going through and what I have done so far. That way if someone here is in the same position as myself, they will be able to get help based on my experiences as I have based on you guys.

1. June-07 after checking bank accounts and pay stubs, became aware that this month would be the first month of not being able to pay any credit cards, personal loans, student loans and retirement loans their monthly installments as I have done in the past. Because of a reduction in my monthly income, I do not have enough to cover all these payments to creditors.

2. June-29-07 started making inquiries to various places, people and books about ALL THINGS BANKRUPTCY so I could educate myself on all that might, will or would happen to me once I was unable to pay my creditors. I am trying to be prepared for anything that might happen eventually.

3. July-19-07 was my first trip to Bankruptcy Court. I have not filed yet, I was there at the advice of my paralegal for Legal Assistance in my city at the HelpDesk located in the same building as the bankruptcy court. The folks there will give you the papers, give you phone numbers for the debt counseling class necessary before filing BK, give you a form to waive fee for debt counseling class if you can not pay, have an attorney look over your paperwork and tell you what to fix, correct, change etc before filing the BK, they give you information about getting the court filing fee waived or paid in installments if you can not pay, they determine all this based on your information on the BK paperwork that the attorneys look over. I have to say that its a lot of footwork, internet access, phone calling etc, but I am sure that most of you know its worth it in the end when you eventually get discharged.

4. I took the paperwork home and I have been comparing my credit reports that I requested(they sent me all 3 for free with no obligations) and it makes filling out the BK paperwork a lot easier when you have names, addresses, account numbers, amounts, last payments received etc to document on the official BK papers. I am almost finished with the paperwork.

5. Lawyers will look at the paperwork on July-27-07 and determine what my next move will be.

8-17-07 Had to return to the lawyers office today because creditors were left off original petition along with some addresses. The Bankruptcy Court charged me 26.00 dollars to add as many new creditors as I wanted. I was ready because I had already made out the new list. They told me that the 341 meeting will still proceed as scheduled and also suggested that not only should I still be on time at the original meeting scheduled, but all these new creditors that I found and added should be sent a copy of the meeting of the creditors 341 statement I received from the BK court. So as of now, I mailed out those extra copies to the new creditors even though they will still receive the official one soon and I am waiting once again for the 341 meeting Aug-28-07.

[lrprn]

You are doing great, 6ft! Great summary of your experiences too - many of our members will see themselves in you. Thanks for sharing - it's a wonderful gift to the forum!

[6ftladycop]

Hey, Thanks for lifting my spirits!!

You are doing great, 6ft! Great summary of your experiences too - many of our members will see themselves in you. Thanks for sharing - it's a wonderful gift to the forum!

I sure thank you a lot for lifting my spirits. This definitely has been an experience. I can not wait until the 341 meeting. I intend to be down their early and sit in on other meetings so as to get some idea of what will be asked of me, but I will be prepared. I was going to go before work, but based on what I have read here about how one should dress, showing up in a police officers uniform would probably be a no noso I will park downtown, go to the meeting, have my uniform and all things I need for work with me in the car, change clothes at work and go from there.....the one thing I do not want is for someone to get the wrong impression of me based on my uniform. I have seen a persons reaction to officers and believe me, it can be a negative thing. And to be honest, I am actually the communications officer which is a fancy word for dispatchers in the computer and radio room......