Seeing a lawer tomorrow

[johnsopi]

1st post. I hit me friday that I am in a bad debt way. I though some how things would turn around. But browering cc money to keep up payments just
makes thing worse. I'm seeing a lawer tomorrow to find out if I can do a ch7.
I had a ch7 12 years ago does this make it harder. I want to keep my house and my wife van ,but other then that I don't have much of any value. It sad
that it happening again.

[lrprn]

I had a ch7 12 years ago does this make it harder.

No. You are well past the current eight years allowed between Ch 7s. What's going to matter is that the bankruptcy law changed in 2005 - it's not going to be exactly the same Ch 7 process that you went through before.

Be sure to set up 3-4 appointments with experienced bankruptcy lawyers in your area - most give free or low-cost initial consultations. The lawyers are going to want to know how much total gross income you and your wife made over the last six months, a rough estimate of all your living expenses, utilities, etc, plus a listing of every one of your secured and unsecured debts.

I want to keep my house and my wife van ,but other then that I don't have much of any value. It sad that it happening again.

What you are going to be able to keep depends on the bankruptcy exemptions in your state. The lawyers will go through that with you during the initial visits.

And yes, it is sad that you found yourself here again. One nice thing about BK Forum - there's very little finger pointing and no blaming allowed here. Did something unexpected happen to push you under again?

We're glad you found us! Keep asking questions - we'll try to help you sort things out as we can.

[johnsopi]

Is it important to see more then one lawer?, and does the lawer need to be in the same state. I'm on the MD/DE line. There are more lawerin DE then right
by me. I'm well below the median income for a family of 4. So the means test should be ok. By this time tomorrow I'll know a lot more.

[laurannm]

Absolutely, you'll want to see at least 3-4 lawyers. Lay out the facts and hear their opinions. Then go with the person who you feel is the most comfortable with and the most knowledgeable.

I believe you have to choose a lawyer who is licensed to practice law in your state. Quite frankly I would think you would want to anyways, since they will know the most about your state's BK laws, local practices, etc.