Is This Normal?

[Dealer36]

I filed my chapter 13 today, finally. I was at the lawyer's office for a little bit over 2 hours and when I got done I felt great. Now something weird is happening to me. I am feeling like a thief. A little background: $40,000 total debt, $32,300 being unsecured. A pretty good portion of my unsecured is gambling debt which has really hurt me this year. Anyway, the paralegal kept working with the numbers (in my favor) and called the lawyer in to see if I could file my gf since she doesn't work and has been my dependent for a few years (primarily because of medical reasons) and she allowed it. When it was all said and done my unsecureds are getting ZERO. I couldn't believe it. My payment is supposed to be $282.00 a month which includes my mortgage arrears, car payment, lawyer fee, and trustee payments.

I thought for sure my unsecured creditors would get something and was totally shocked that they are not. Not yet, anyway but I don't see how they won't object since a lot of my debt was taken out over a relatively short period of time...So now I'm going over it in my head and telling myself not to be surprised if they don't object and adding about $16,000-$18,000 on top of what I am supposed to be paying.

Has anyone else had these GUILT feelings. I mean a part of me is happy but a part of me doesn't want to feel like a thief. I never once took this money with the thought that I wouldn't pay it. It's just that trying to pay it off in 2 years was half killing me. I had no money for anything and it was creating too much stress in my life which in turn made me feel like I had to "win my way out of debt" which I already know is WRONG since I am a casino dealer for a living...duh...was just wondering if any of you felt remorse for what you have done or not?

[253BK]

I wouldnt even look back! These companies make BILLIONS yearly! With them giving credit to anyone now a days they have to know this will happen! Sit back and relax and enjoy your fresh start! I am in the same position just filing tomorrow!

[JollyGG]

Here is a past post where some members answered how they felt.

Some felt guilty, others didn't but most agreed that regardless, bankruptcy was the best thing for their situation.

http://www.bkforum.com/showthread.php?t=18470&highlight=regret

[Dealer36]

Thanks for you input. I will try to remember those posts and your posts as well to help me get through this.

[woeisme]

I think a little guilt is ok. It makes you think about what you could have done differently, and that kind of self-analysis is useful if it keeps you from making the same mistakes. After that point, though, I think there is no use wallowing in the guilt or carrying it with you for extended periods of time.

I know I feel bad about my CH 13. I'll be paying back about 66K on almost 100K worth of debt. (I'm only 3 months in right now, so 57 payments to go!) So there's 34K that I'm not paying back, and yes, I should have made better decisions about how I used credit so I never had to go this route. I know what mistakes I made, and won't be making them again (especially with 5 years of living under the trustees thumb, I'm NEVER going to want to get to this place again!) When my lawyer first ran the numbers, we were in 100% payback, until we re-thought some of our expenses and exemptions and reworked the filing. So I also know what you mean about feeling like you're getting away with not paying enough, I was SO worried I'd get an objection at my 341, but it didn't happen.

Anyhow, let yourself feel guilty if you need to in order to make positive changes for the future, but don't let the guilt weigh you down. Because what is the point of that? Good luck!

[Dealer36]

Thanks so much for you input.