The most important advice for newbies

[b_girl]

If you're above median and ch 7 looks iffy, don't be discouraged...it all comes down to the means test. Be truthful about your expenses, don't overestimate your assets. Don't feel bad, either...you (and your family's) welfare is more important than anything.

[halomom]

When scary legal papers show up in your mailbox don't immediately jump to worst case scenario. Paperwork can and will get lost or misfiled. Lawyers forget to include things on forms. Accountants transpose numbers. Things happen, and it doesn't mean the sky is falling. It just means it is time to take a deep breath and fill in the missing blank or find the missing receipt. I spent a lot of time needlessly freaking out over things that turned out to be clerical errors.

[santadawg]

once your doomed and there's no way out, plan-plan-plan before they attack you. The only friends you have are in here, till it's all over.

[BROKENN]

I think this should be a sticky

[Mi Bankruptcy]

1) Make a decision and take action

2) Plan prior to filing

3) Try to start your process before your creditors start calling and acting( gives them little time to act after you file)

4) Research your attorney you selected by visiting different sites.. "Google your attorney"

5) Work together with your partner.. When they start to get stressed take the burden for awhile by reassuring them. When you get stressed take a break.

6) Know that money does not define you. Billionaires claim bankruptcy

7) Try to learn as much as you can before meeting your attorneys..This will let you know who is BS'in. Ask your attorney a complicated question to which you already know the answer. This helps you gauge your attorney.

[GreenInkOnPaper]

Read this board EVERYDAY!!!

[ready2puke]

Read this forum everyday like its your bible because it is....Learn from everyones experience it could be your own.