I finally filed

[so-beyond-broke]

Hi all

I finally took the courage to file my Ch 7 no asset case this morning. It was a mix of emotions. For months since December I realized that I needed to file so I have been reading and checking out this website and others for months. I spent all weekend typing up my own paper work and I filed pro se. Last night I couldn't sleep but this has been the case on and off for months. I rode the train for about an hour and became sick - it was my nerves. Once I got into the fresh air I felt a little better until I had to walk to the courthouse. As I went through the metal detector, had my bag scanned and checked in my cell phone I couldn't back out. The clerk who handled my paperwork was very nice he told me what paperwork I didn't need to attach and to save it for the trustee. Within 20 minutes I was given my case number, the trustee's name and the day of the 341 meeting on 5/23/06 - exactly 5 weeks from today! On a day that I thought that I would be happy to hear the creditors phone calls - STOP was also a day of sadness for me. I rode the train back home and spent most of the afternoon in bed in a sense of mourning. Now I will have to deal with a whole new set of emotions when it approaches closer to that dreaded 341 hearing. I just hope that I have a nice trustee.

sbb

[Titan]

Hi all

I finally took the courage to file my Ch 7 no asset case this morning. It was a mix of emotions. For months since December I realized that I needed to file so I have been reading and checking out this website and others for months. I spent all weekend typing up my own paper work and I filed pro se. Last night I couldn't sleep but this has been the case on and off for months. I rode the train for about an hour and became sick - it was my nerves. Once I got into the fresh air I felt a little better until I had to walk to the courthouse. As I went through the metal detector, had my bag scanned and checked in my cell phone I couldn't back out. The clerk who handled my paperwork was very nice he told me what paperwork I didn't need to attach and to save it for the trustee. Within 20 minutes I was given my case number, the trustee's name and the day of the 341 meeting on 5/23/06 - exactly 5 weeks from today! On a day that I thought that I would be happy to hear the creditors phone calls - STOP was also a day of sadness for me. I rode the train back home and spent most of the afternoon in bed in a sense of mourning. Now I will have to deal with a whole new set of emotions when it approaches closer to that dreaded 341 hearing. I just hope that I have a nice trustee.

sbb

Admitting that you need the help of a bankruptcy is one of the hardest steps many of us have had to take. Don't beat yourself up over it any longer, now is the time to take a deep breath. Allow your blood pressure and stress levels to normalize, and start to enjoy the fact that you are still alive.

Save all of your relevant paperwork in a safe place (bank statements, paycheck stubs, etc.) Relax until the 341, and when your 341 arrives, don't panic. It's not that big a deal, just answer the questions truthfully and don't volunteer information.

One thing I have learned in my little time here (filed 3/7/06, had 341 on 4/3/06): this forum has many smart and caring people. If you have a question, ask. If you just have to type something out to get it off your chest, do it. We all support each other.

Good luck on the 341, I'm sure it will be fine.

[fellowpoorman]

You have started taking care of an issue that needed attention, you are doing something about it. Don't sweat the 341, you'll be fine. Good luck

[so-beyond-broke]

Thanks Fellow & Titan

No one at home can really understand the total effect that this BK process is doing to me. My SO thinks that I was nuts for filing, but unlike him I don't want to be sued for debts that I can't pay. I haven't told my family yet and it's not a subject to discuss on my job. So its nice to talk to others on this forum who have some insight and are willing to share their experiences without being too judgemental. I have already beaten myself over the head about this - I don't need anyone trying to state what they perceive to be the obvious - i.e. you filed because you were irresponsible or why should you get to ring up your credit and then skip out on paying it.

Thanks, sbb

[SinkingFast]

WTG, SBB!!

I am so glad you wrote about your feelings today. I quite imagined that's what it would be like. All the work and research you've done to get to this point. You so looked forward to this day. Thinking of the elation you'd feel of the sheer burden of debt being lifted off your shoulders.

It's like sending your first child off to school for the first day. You look forward to it, but the moment they leave you die inside, just a bit. In that split second they grow up just a bit and yesterday's little child is gone.

Just like toothless grins. Fleeting, like the wind.

Rest and relax now. You've gotten thru the toughest part. The decision.

You decided and you filed. You've taken action and now you can rest.

[13inOR]

Congratulations on your "first" step. I know this is a stressfull time but you have passed one hurdle already, and like everyone else has said, and we know from experience, the 341 is no big deal at all, but you will also feel great relief when its over as well!! Take care of yourself, dont get too stressed now.

[debtisbad]

So beyond broke,

There was an article in our local newspaper about all the foreclosures and BK's. The article talked about how much of the stigma had disapeared with filing BK. One thing that helped me feel better (even though I still have my moments) is to look at our federal government. A fine example they have set. Also, look at all of the American companies that have filed BK. They did not give a damn about their shareholders. May I mention Kmart? What about all of the retired folks that had life savings in enron? Did enron give a damn about them. Not! This is not the America that most of us grew up with. This is not even the late 90's when I was making hand over fist money. Anyway, there are many in this boat. And the boat is full! You would probably be suprised if you knew how many of your neighbors had filed.

[13inOR]

Thats a very good point, debt is bad. Its not so uncommon anymore.

[Michelob]

There was an article in teh Sacramento News & Review on Bankruptcy. I'm me and i'll scan it.

[aa06a47]

so-beyond-broke, congratulations on filing, it was a well thought out decision, and in the long run, one of the best decisions you could have made to get your life back. When it is over, you'll have your financial independence back.

One of the things I'm finding out, is since filing I've been on an emotional roller coaster. One minute I'm upbeat, did the right thing, next minute, I just have this over powering feeling of being a dumb ass loser for getting myself into the situation I'm in. Hang tough, most of us on this board are not hear because we want to be, or because we were the sharpest pencil in the box financially speaking, we just made mistakes.

[Curious Georgia]

SBB, I just filed pro se yesterday, as well! BTW, thanks again for your help with that link to the forms. The clerk actually told me I did a very good job with the paperwork and was surprised I did it all myself. Don't feel bad, SBB, we all do what we have to do. I know in my case, I was never taught about finances (in school or by parents), my parents themselves filed for BK. I really did not know what I was getting myself into with rising credit card debt. I would always think that a better-paying job was right around the corner and then I could pay it all off. I was stupid, but now I have learned, and now I am not. I am a different person now through this process than I was a year ago--more knowledgeable and less naiive. Everybody makes mistakes--some people break other people's hearts, some people choose the wrong career path, some people might have given bad advice to their children, and some people might not have planned financially as well as they should have. But we always try our best with the hand we were dealt, and that is what matters.

4-18-06 Filed Pro Se
5-19-06 341