Unemployed for 3 yrs. Filing BK..HELP

[arami008]

Hello,

I have been reading this very helpful forum for a while now and have a question.

I haven't been able to work for over 3 yrs. now because my son has been very sick and about 2 months ago his doctors visits have come down to 2-3 times a week and he is doing so much better. thank God. Well thing is that I am anticipating that he will not need to go to the doctor as often within a couple of months which will allow me to finally be able to work again.

I stopped paying CC bills about 2-3 yrs ago and have 2 judgements against me. I am judgement proof though as my income is public benefits and SSI. I am tired of living on close to nothing though but my son's health has been priority. My question is should I wait until discharge to work or can I work before discharge? Haven't filed yet but I am waiting to see an attorney to do so. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[TEW]

I'm glad your son is doing better.
Do you know if you live in a garnishment state? I am asking because if you start working before you wipe out those judgments the creditors may go after your pay.
If they can not garnish your pay then as long as you don’t find a job that puts you over means I don’t think it will matter for the BK.

[arami008]

I live in California, but I don't know about garnishments.

I don't owe that much (35K) but I don't want to deal with paying taxes on forgiven debt, debt consolidation. Don't have the time and money to put up with debts that family members incurred... I was immature back then and allowed a cousin to use my credit to get a car which she stopped paying a year later and got it repossed. Well I think that's the best option right now for me. I will really appreciate any comments and suggestions as this is embarrassing. Thanks again.

[arami008]

It just gives me a stomach pain and lots of stress to think about debt consolidation and being stuck with high payments over money I don't owe...it's just been over 2yrs without paying and boy have fees have accumulated! It's insane...

Will it be a red flag if I haven't been working for 3yrs. and all of a sudden I can work again...will they see that as me being able to repay now? Should I just wait until discharge? Please any input I really appreciate it.

[Flamingo]

It just gives me a stomach pain and lots of stress to think about debt consolidation and being stuck with high payments over money I don't owe...it's just been over 2yrs without paying and boy have fees have accumulated! It's insane...

Will it be a red flag if I haven't been working for 3yrs. and all of a sudden I can work again...will they see that as me being able to repay now? Should I just wait until discharge? Please any input I really appreciate it.

Since you are receiving government assistance, you probably qualify for legal aid. Call them and make an appointment and get some information on your matter as to possibly filing BK. Secondly, if you decide to go to work and can get a job in this economy after being out of work 3 years, and you live in a state that allows wage garnishment, it's obvious what can happen. I know of someone who had their state refund taken due to a judgment for unpaid vehicle repairs (friend's son in NC). Since you are not working right now, those are basically the only two suggestions to get you started to figure out what you want to and can do. Best of luck to you...and I am glad your son is doing better. Also, where is the child's father? Is he providing child support?

[arami008]

Thanks for the advice...the child's father is at home with us but of no help...i am also thinking of divorce for that matter...i am on my own literally...so I want to start fresh and before I leave I want to be able to rent without asking anyone to sign for me.

I am going to see if I can get free legal aid..i have an appt. this week and I'll see how it goes. Thanks again.