I've retained lawyer-how long can I go before filing?

[tatt2monster]

I am concerned that the trustee will question some recent travel and spending of tax return. I just recently retained lawyer. I am considering putting off the filing for six months so I will not have any nitpicking type issues by the trustee. Does anyone know how long I can get away with this? I had a roommate once that went a year, but this was before the laws were changed. I already pass the means test; I just figure this will give me a chance to be very careful with where my money went and avoid any unnecessary questions. Also, my creditors are being informed as they call about filing, how long will they wait?

[LuciluS]

We retained our Lawyer last Sept. and will be filing this Sept.

We stopped paying our Credit Cards except for one which I had a balance transfer for a low % in Aug. Attorney said pay that specific credit card the minimum plus $25-$50 for 3 mths.

When the phone calls started, we gave them our Attorney's name, address & Phone # and told them we would be filing in Dec. 08. Due to researching and reading posts on this forum, I found out some monies I was receiving was taxable. I received my last pymt. Feb. 09. So, we will be filing on 9/30/09 using Mar 09 - Aug 09 income.

The phone calls have started again. My Attorney said don't answer the phone. Some of our CCs' have been turned over to Collection Agencies. Attorney said to ignore the letters (I sure hope he is right on this one). If one files a lawsuit Attorney said he would file something that would bide our time until we got filed.

Hope this helps.

Luci

[tatt2monster]

Some good points, I should have mentioned that I stopped paying on everything last Sept, when I became unemployed, and when the collapse of Lehman Brothers and AIG sent the economy into a tailspin. About 3 weeks ago I got a call from a lawyer/collection agency that bought a debt from Chase and would sue me if I did not come up with two grand, so I was forced to retain an attorney. But I am not at all happy with them. So besides having 6 months to get my affairs in order, I also am considering shopping around for a new lawyer.

[LuciluS]

so I was forced to retain an attorney. But I am not at all happy with them. So besides having 6 months to get my affairs in order, I also am considering shopping around for a new lawyer.

Yea, I would take the time to set up some free consultations with other Attorneys, if you don't feel comfortable with the Attorney you retained.

So far, I'm really happy with our Attorney. His entire line of work is Bankruptcies and has answered any questions I've had by emailing me. I try to only email him once every 2 weeks with my questions.

Luci

[tatt2monster]

I just think its a little odd that I'm the one doing all the work right now. I'm gathering all the paperwork, asking all the "what if" questions, bringing things to their attention, and providing the overall analysis; I'd file per se if it wasn't for being so intimidated by the court process and an overwhelming desire in telling the creditors where to stick it, so its best I stick with legal counsel.