Not sure what I need to do

[NJguy]

Hi, I owe about $10,000 and I have no job, have diabetes and in my 50's and find getting a job almost impossible, as soon as they see I am 50 there is silence. My wife works earns around $28,000 we are falling behind more and more.. I thus far have paid my two credit cards on time but minimum payments now the bank is pulling a shrewdy and started charging late fees for no reason. But I am afraid I will get hit with interest higher than 24% which is what I have now.. I also owe about 10,000 overseas.

I have filed once before. Before the new rules. I did it myself with one of those websites. It worked out well..

Will I have problems will I be considered by the judge to have a legit situation good enough for 7? I know I am going to sink further if I do not do something about this.. Has anyone else had a similar situation? Any advice would be helpful. Thanks.

[Geeznowwhat]

Well, go get the nolo book on filing chapter 7. It is great. Look up the local Legal Aide. See if they have classes or anything to help guide you through the filing of chapter 7.

Look at your assets. Look at your state exemptions. Make sure you can protect the things you do not want to lose. Decide if you and wife file together.

Once you are sure that you will file...stop paying those credit cards. You will gain nothing by trying to keep up those payments.

Go talk to a couple of attorneys, even if you are not going to use one...you can learn a lot from them.

Plan the bankruptcy to occur when it is your best advantage.

[LadyInTheRed]

I believe the biggest changes were the addition of the means test and the 2 courses you have to take, one within 6 months of filing and one between filing and discharge.

Reading through the Nolo book should help you decide if you are comfortable filing pro se.

The BK will protect you from foreign creditors while you are in US, but not when you travel back to the country where you owe the debt.