I got my vehicle question answered

[Duggas]

Yesterday I posted a question about my paid for 2006 Honda Goldwing and was there a way to keep it in CH7. Well my consultation today confirmed what I expected. My best bet is to sell the bike and use the money to live on for 3-4 months and then file. Mr. Attorney told me to keep very good records of the living expenses that I use the money for so the trustee will be ok with it. So bye bye Goldwing and hello CH7 right around the new year. In Florida he tells me that the $1000 vehicle exemption has no leeway and I might as well use the money and not forfeit it.
Just thought some of you might find this interesting.
HAVE A GREAT NIGHT
DAVE

[B12]

The exemption in Florida for personal items as cars is 1000. unless you have no homestead exemption. Then, it is 4000.

Since a lawyer told you it is 1000., I am assuming you have a homestead exemption. The exemption just recently changed.

[CindyLou]

Well, I am happy for you to have gotten good advice! Doesn't it feel good to have a plan? Great start!

[CindyLou]

oops, B12 and I posted at the same time...do you have homestead?

[Duggas]

Yes Homestead

So today I am opening a checking acct without my wife on it and when I sell my Goldwing the proceeds will be deposited into that account. I use Quicken and combined with my bank statements from the new account I will be able to show the use of every single penny toward legitimate expenses. Once I am below the $1000 level I will be able to file. At that point I will have no reason to pay Mr. Atty the $1600 he wanted and I will go Pro se. Yes having a plan that is honest and legit is a good feeling. The only thing that feels strange is that of my 9 credit cards none of them are now or ever have been late. Atty. guy says absolutely do not pay them since I will be filing way before any of them get near legal action. I am thinking of entering a debt settlement program that has zero fees unless an acct is settled. that would stop the calls (prevent them) since this company sends all creditors a cease and desist letter. I will pay the required $600 per month to my trust account and maybe even settle one or two. Then since there is no contract or obligation with them I will simply convert to bk when the time comes.
DAVE

[Boscoe]

I would strongly recommend against any debt settlement company. Most people say it is a waste of time and money.

I would also recommend against going pro-se. Find a good attorney - they are out there. You actually already did, as his advice about selling the bike was right on.

You should be looking at ch 7 fees of around $2k, so take some $ from the proceeds of the bike and use it to protect yourself by hiring this attorney. It is just my opinion, but going pro se, especially in your situation, can be risky.

And, as soon as you pay the attorney a small retainer ($500 or less), you can refer ALL of the creditors who call to the attorney. Or simply screen your calls and do not call them back.

[Granny]

The only thing that feels strange is that of my 9 credit cards none of them are now or ever have been late.

This happens more often than you think.

I would strongly recommend against any debt settlement company. Most people say it is a waste of time and money....And, as soon as you pay the attorney a small retainer ($500 or less), you can refer ALL of the creditors who call to the attorney. Or simply screen your calls and do not call them back.

I agree here, why waste the money and there is a cheap thrill to telling them to call your attorney.