Do I Shred Old Bills?

[chpxiii]

I am moving and am going over some old papers. I found some old bills from creditors that are included in my bankruptcy. Would it be safe to go ahead and shred these?

I'm tired of carrying around so much paper. These bills are like, 4 years old now.

How long do I keep old paperwork (bills, etc.) before I can shred them?

[lrprn]

How long do I keep old paperwork (bills, etc.) before I can shred them?

Since you've already filed Ch 13, if your case is confirmed, then it's doubtful you still need very old paperwork, especially if you have more recent copies of the bills, statements, etc. However, your lawyer is the best person to answer how long you should hang on to old paperwork related to your bankruptcy.

In an unfiled and/or unconfirmed Ch 13, if a creditor or the trustee files an objection to your case, the courts can request paperwork back up to five years if necessary. If unfiled or unconfirmed, hang on to everything until confirmation. (And even then, always finding out that I invariably need whatever I've thrown out, personally I would hang on to everything until my case was discharged....but that's just me )

[chpxiii]

lrprn,

You're just like me,and you're right. When I throw something out, I find I need it. Even though I haven't touched it in years. Tell me, how does the universe work THAT out? hehehe..

There are a few things I shredded, and others I kept. I really need to clean up my life in all areas, especially the *stuff.* On a metaphysical level, I have learned that *stuff* I don't NEED just ties me down materially. Yanno?

Thank you for the response. We're moving to a cheaper place (and that will help expedite my payoff) which is also smaller. With all the papers I had, I feared a fire hazard.

[tofargone]

I was told by my attorney that I could get rid of all the backdated bills after everything was confirmened and objections were taken care of. The family and I had a little burning party the other day with the mortgages and auto loan. I had 3 grocery bags full of old bills, collections letters and threats. ( 3 out of 4 weren't even open, and I wonder why I am in this situation ). Well to say the least it was a great bonfire. We burned for about 2 hours and enjoyed watching our past 4 years of hell going up in smoke.


I'm really starting to appreciate the little things....

[chpxiii]

tofargone,

LOL! I bet that was sweet - symbolic as if you get to burn the debt collectors!

[Minnymouth]

As much as WE HATE PAPERWORK - until I was completely discharged in bankruptcy I would hang onto all paper work......

After your discharge - keep the last statement from each creditor that you receive that was listed on your bankruptcy and keep it all with your discharge papers. The rest you can eliminate...

I would hang onto those bankruptcy/discharge papers for a LONG TIME....... you never know what might popup in the future........

[robivi3]

Man, it ain't over 'til it's over! hang on to it!!!