How do I choose a lawyer for C7? I am new!

[ksmd]

Hi,
I am new to the forums here. I once had a FICO score of 700+, but now am ashamed to reveal a FICO of 420. After doing much reading, I have come to the conclusion that it would be in my best interest to go for Chapter 7. I went to a medical school abroad and could not get any student loans. I ended up paying for everything with my credit cards - tuition, food, housing, airfare, etc.

All of my debt is unsecured credit card cash advances. I was keeping up with the payments until two years ago. I owe a total of about $80,000. I just got into a 3 year internal medicine residency program - just 3 months into it! It has been going great - I am very grateful even though I have been scraping the barrel every month, sometimes down to the last $7 in my bank account!!! Unfortunately, I have no couch to sit on, since I cannot get approved at any furniture store - no surprise there. I have been sitting on the carpet for the last 2 and a half years but I thank God for my health.

Anyways, I am here to ask you all, how do you choose a 'good BK lawyer?' I am afraid to just go to the one charging the least.

I have lived most of my life in Texas, where all the credit cards are addressed, but I now work in a different state as of June. The year prior to June I was in Illinois for a year. I should apply for the BK in Texas right? or in my current state of employment? I am confused about this.

Also, some websites say the fee for Chapter 7 is about $950-$1500 plus an additional monthly payment? Is this the case? that there are MONTHLY payments? To whom must we make monthly payments? how can I make monthly payments???

As a medicine resident you only get about $2200 - $2500/ month. I do not think I would be able to make any payments with my salary. If I cannot make these payments - can I not do Chapter 7 then? I am confused.

I have not touched a credit card since I came back to the USA(for two years). I have been living off of doing odd jobs and the like (prior to getting my residency), at times borrowing money from friends for test fees and interviewing across the country. This has all been a tough, but worthwhile experience.

I want a fresh start in life. I am really starting from scratch. I have no credit at all - no cards, no loans, no home, no car loan, nothing at all. I have not borrowed money from anyone in a year now. I am comfortable living without spending beyond my means now. I do not have alot of the things my friends have, but I have no new debt - so I am happy about that.

Also, will my line of work affect the outcome of me filing for Chapter 7 - will they expect me to pay off all the debt when I can afford to after my residency is completed? or will it be taken care of in the near future?

I thank you for reading my story - I would greatly appreciate you answering any of my questions in any capacity that you can...

Thank you,

ksmd

[rrockinggramma]

filing

You would file in the state where you have resided for at least the last 6 months. Even though you lived in Tx, you no longer live there. Also, there are several types of BK. BK 7 and BK 13 are the two most commonly referred to. (chapter 11 is for business, chapter 12 is for farmers) In a chapter 13, you would make monthly payments. Which one you qualify for is all based on your current income (at the time you file) and your living expenses for the month. You should always try to file a chapter 7 if you can. I would strongly suggest that you open up the telephone yellow pages and just start calling a few attorneys. Many (if not all) give the first consultation for free and after you have interviewed 3 or 4, you can pick one that you feel most comfortable with. As with attorney's, their fees will vary widely also. The most expensive isn't always the best. Stay away from those attorney's who are "BK Mills" also, where you never see the attorney but only a paralegal etc. But your interview with them will let you know if you think they have your best interest at heart. Good luck.