Not sure What to do ?

[xxgemini]

Hello all, first thanks for creating such an informative forum, its a great help.

Well I am contiplating Chapter 7, as of right now im $36,000 in credit card debt on 2 cards. I have fallen behind and dont see being able to get caught up. Im now being charged 30% interest.
I have a car loan for $27,000 5yr 4.7% $518 pymt with Credit union (Never missed a payment) I owe exactly what its worth and would like to keep the car.
I have started a new job in may. Automotive Sales, I make @ 3,500 a month / 21,000 for 6month / 41,000 a year. but it can fluctuate.
I am single and live at home. I pay 300 a month to father for rent. but am thinking about getting an apartment with my girlfriend.

Looks like for maryland the average monthly income for 21401 annapolis area is $4,383 or $26,299 6 month.

Q :
1. Should I see a lawyer now ?
2. Should I start filing now or wait till I move out so I have a $800 rent payment ?
3. Do you think I will qualify for ch7 ?

[keepmine]

Nobody can tell you if you qualify for a Chapter 7 until they fill out Schedules I & J to determine if you have disposable income.
See a few lawyers now. Most give free or low cost initia; consultations.

[justplaintired]

Yep I agree see a lawyer and tell him what you told us. See more then one, find one who makes you feel confident in what he says. Anyway it's hard to say if you'd be a 7 or 13, means test will answer this. Might be best to get that apt. and use those figures on the means test, along with utilities. Then file. You can keep the car if you keep current on payments, don't fall behind.

Good luck!

[xxgemini]

Thanx for the replys. Yeah I think i need to talk to a few lawyers and get that apartment. I tried filling out the means test on legal consumer but i dont fully understand some of the questions.

[JRScott]

1. Doesn't hurt to get the ball rolling, most will give free initial consults, see 3-4 lawyers though before deciding.
2. If you are going to do this then yes I'd wait to file until I had at least one month rent paid so that you could use it as an expense.
3. It looks good for you but only a lawyer can really answer. The Median Income for Bankruptcy in MD for 1 person is $42995 yearly or $3583 monthly. For a 2 person household (you and girlfried) it would be 54599 yearly or 4550 monthly. See a lawyer though to see the best option for you.