Should we continue to pay?

[Willow]

We have our meeting set for the 6th of Sept to see the lawyer for the first time. It will cost us just under $1000 to file this is for lawyer fees and the court papers. As we are having enough trouble with the bills and have no extra money, should we not pay on the bills so we can use the money to file with?

[herekitty]

If you are POSITIVE that you will file, you can stop paying your bills. When creditors call you can inform them that you are currently in the process of filing bankruptcy. They will then offer to "reaffirm" your debt - which you should then say "not at this time." Save the money for filing and for other opportunities.

It would be best that you cut up your cards now and start learning to live off of only cash, it's a good exercise to start anyhow!

[HHM]

Just to clarify, by bills, we mean credit cards, payday loans, and medical bills, you can stop paying those bills. You should attempt to stay current on your rent/mortgage, car payments and utilities.

[herekitty]

Oops, yes - you don't want your living expenses to go unpaid!

[CRRAVOSA]

Pay those exenses associated with Sched J

You definitely want to continuing paying your mortgage/rent, car and any other expenses you listed on schedule J. To save you more money if you have an expensive car loan and your car is not worth as much as the loan by 5k or more you may want to explore redemption. Check the trade in kelly blue book value on line. In terms of creditors harassing you, inform them you have retained counsel and are filing bk and give them the number of your lawyer and they will verify that information and should stop calling you. Good luck!

[wannabedebtfree]

If you are surrendering your home and vehicles, you would stop paying those as well, correct??

[HHM]

If you are surrendering your home and vehicles, you would stop paying those as well, correct??

Yes, you can do that.

[3131tj]

Just curious

We have our meeting set for the 6th of Sept to see the lawyer for the first time.

have you gotten any consultation? Most BK att'y's will give about an hour long free consult, which will answer these and other questions - just go with a list! I, personally, wanted to meet with my potential att'y before seeing him for filing so that a relationship could be built. In fact, I asked him about fees (he is a bit on the high end of att'y's (which is in part why I chose him) and he said that b/c my $ was so low and I am a no asset case he is giving me a break on the fee ($800) and even said we could work out a payment arrangement. Maybe I just found one of the good guys. I have considered filing on my own as I am sure I could manage but will opt to use an att'y in case any questions or problems arise.

Point being - get a consult if you haven't already and depending on your att'y and finacial situation see if you have any other options re: the fee. Good luck!