I've been doing a lot of reading an research (this fourm is great). Anyway, I think I've decided on a BK attorney. The fee for a Chapter 7 is $1,300 (including filing fees), and he allows you to pay what you can when you can (the case is filed when you make final payment). Also, he allows you to forward creditor phone calls after your initial payment. He's been in the business a long time and he used to be a trustee. All good, right? I will meet him on Thursday and likely retain him, unless anyone has good objections (the whole thing makes me nervous).
I just want to make sure I'm on the right path here.... I decided to stop my direct deposit to my current checking account, as I beleive I should close that account as I have a LOC with the same institution, which will be included in the bankruptcy. I've decided to open an account at a different bank, but I'm going to hold off on direct deposit. I plan to just cash the check and deposit a set amount for bills I pay by check (utilities, mostly) and do everything else by cash. Is that a decent plan?
As for credit cards, I do have some recent charges (within the last 90 days), no single charge over $500, and most of the charges were for things like groceries, personal care services, vet bills, etc... There are a few smaller charges mixed in that could be considered luxury items (XM radio monthly subscription that I forget to cancel, a new modem for the place I'm going to be living (I telecommute once a week or so), etc..). I would like to file ASAP, but I understand there is a 90 day look-back period. What is the worst case scenario if I file before 90 days from the last charge? If those items would not be discharged, how long would I have to pay them back? Or would my entire case be dismissed? Note: I have not stopped paying on any credit cards as of yet, but I will have to in order to pay my attorney. Suggestions (besides to STOP using the credit cards - I get that, and I plan to not use any going forward).
Also, I have a young daughter, and X-mas is coming. Am I okay to buy a couple items (with cash), or is this completely frowned upon?
I just want to make sure I'm on the right path here.... I decided to stop my direct deposit to my current checking account, as I beleive I should close that account as I have a LOC with the same institution, which will be included in the bankruptcy. I've decided to open an account at a different bank, but I'm going to hold off on direct deposit. I plan to just cash the check and deposit a set amount for bills I pay by check (utilities, mostly) and do everything else by cash. Is that a decent plan?
As for credit cards, I do have some recent charges (within the last 90 days), no single charge over $500, and most of the charges were for things like groceries, personal care services, vet bills, etc... There are a few smaller charges mixed in that could be considered luxury items (XM radio monthly subscription that I forget to cancel, a new modem for the place I'm going to be living (I telecommute once a week or so), etc..). I would like to file ASAP, but I understand there is a 90 day look-back period. What is the worst case scenario if I file before 90 days from the last charge? If those items would not be discharged, how long would I have to pay them back? Or would my entire case be dismissed? Note: I have not stopped paying on any credit cards as of yet, but I will have to in order to pay my attorney. Suggestions (besides to STOP using the credit cards - I get that, and I plan to not use any going forward).
Also, I have a young daughter, and X-mas is coming. Am I okay to buy a couple items (with cash), or is this completely frowned upon?
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