Discharged 9/17/2008

[frobscottle]

Couldn't have done this without this forum and the Nolo book. The Nolo book was indispensable, but with that alone I wouldn't have had the temerity to go it pro-se.

Here's the scorecard:

6/06/08 pre-filing certificate (fee waived by counselor)

6/12/08 filed pro-se, In Forma Pauperis

6/27/08 IFP granted

7/08/08 meeting of creditors; no asset (trustee complemented me on preperation)

7/28/08 financial management counseling certificate filed (fee waived by counselor)

9/17/08 order of discharge

Total cost:

Nolo book: $32.00 (best damn 32 bucks I'll ever spend)

Mailing to clerk: $7.42

Pacer bill: $5.20

Total cost: $44.62

My deepest thanks to everyone in this forum, even you, you wonderful lurkers, you.

[JRScott]

Congrats

[frobscottle]

Well, I'm proud that I screwed up my courage and filed pro-se.

I just want to post a follow-up message.

What I paid for this process was fair and just. I'm in Arkansas and to file IFP and have the waivers I had to be under 150% of the poverty guideline.

If you paid for counseling and paid an attorney, don't feel bad. Believe me, 150% of Arkansas' poverty line is not somewhere you want to be. But, being there didn't stop attorneys from trying to charge the same as they would charge anyone of greater means.

To everyone of similar circumstance:

If your case is relatively simple ( no business, partnerships, real estate pending inheritance etc.) seriously consider going it alone. Have all the consultations you can get for free ( if that doesn't keep you from hiring an attorney, nothing will!).

Even if you think you can't go it alone pretend you're going it alone. Many people in this forum that have paid attorneys wind up filing pro-se (and better off) anyway.

Who cares more about your case, you or some guy you and 20 other people are giving a grand? Get the Nolo book and read it and then think about how sharp those attorneys really are. I had one tell me he wasn't sure about what state exemptions I'd have to use and he'd have to look it up. Hell, I already looked it up. I'm not paying a hundred bucks an hour for that, even on a flat fee.

I did it with the help of this forum and Nolo Press and so can you.

[AngelinaCat]

CONGRATULATIONS!!! And I am so proud you did it Pro Se!!!

This is for you: Here you go:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1_kgNp9oQg

[WoodSprite]

Frobscottle, #14 in the September Club, you are an inspiration! Congratulations and all the best to you. I hope you'll stick around, because I love your Dickensian handle, and because you have so much to offer to the folks who are still in the throes. Thanks so much for your posting.

[epiphany]

Congrats Fro!

Awesome job!

ep

[jessegirl]

Congrats To You.....

[Cali]

Congrats and welcome to the Sept. Club!!

[b_girl]

Congrats on the discharge and on filing pro se! Enjoy the fresh start.