Newbie Have Some qiuestions

[ned2010]

I'm filing chapter 7 in March 2010 lost my job in October 2009 have severence til end of December.. For this month December I just now stopped paying cc's. Several Chase and a hefty monthly payment to Discover. Chase and Discover have already sent me Januarys bill statement for double payment along with late fees tacked on the bills ..quite hefty. Can I make it to March with Chase and Discover riding me without either one of them bringing a lawsuit before I file for bk chapter 7 in March ..or should I go ahead and pay all of them for December and then quit in January and Febuary ? Just to keep them from dragging me to court... How long before cc's company start bringing legal action against you ? Anyone familar with Chase or Discover ? I can't afford any lawsuits and wondered what I should do. Also, I will file my 2009 taxes in end of January and should have my refund in Febuary, should I spend it before filing in March ? Help

[MSbklawyer]

No way to tell for sure, but odds are you have at least 6 months between your first missed payment and the filing of a suit against you. Why are you waiting until March to file?

[ned2010]

I think its better to file after I get my 2009 tax refund and my lawyer agrees.

[LALADY]

I have 4 chase cards, 1 discover card and numerous other cards. I was 4 months in arrears before I filed. Initially, the creditors called me. When I hired the attorney to figure out what/when I was going to do things, the engagement letter with him was that he would cover answering all creditors calls for 6 months, but that I needed to file something w/i six months or lose all my money I paid him (full payment and filing fees). Maybe you have the same agreement with your attorney?

[ned2010]

Now that you mention it my lawyer did say his firm would handle collection calls... and the written contract agreement with my lawyer I don't have anything like yours about within 6 months to file or you lose your money... Actually I quit answering collection calls I guess I should , but got tired ( turd ) of talking to them 40 times a day

[LALADY]

Problem with not taking their calls is they will track down folks you don't want them to track down to find out your whereabouts. Think parents, neighbors, etc.

[ned2010]

Thanks for the info ... I never thought I would find myself having to file bk... but I guess never say never this is a depression... not a recession...

[ned2010]

Ya mean to say they will actually call your neighbors? My parents are passed away... but I wouldn't put it pass them to try an place calls to their graves...

[LALADY]

They can call around to find your whereabouts. They can't say why they are calling. But, nothing like a neighbor getting a call from Chase or Discover's collection agencies that have names that sound like collection agencies.

[ned2010]

Theres only one neighbor I could think of I sure the heck wouldnt want them to talk to Crimey these collectors are worse than loan sharks!!!!! Really I wouldn't want them talking to any of my neighbors cause I sure the heck find out my business.....

[ned2010]

actually them knowing my business......