the process

[exessuck]

Hubby and I have had our 341 and things went well. This is just a note to some that may come across the forum like I did. Just curious and reseaching. Alot of the things on this forum I very useful. However, like most have said...best to talk to your attorney!

I for one, and like most have said, be truthful!

We are using a firm that specializes in BK, for some they think BK mill, but for us we wanted the specialized knowledge not the local attorney who dabbles in a bit of everything.

Our expense sheet, we were honest...told them exactly where our money was going...(family of 3..me..mom works...step-dad..stay at home dad..daughter (mine...12 and mildly autistic, epileptic, ADD, and still searching for answers)

house note (never late) (want to reaffirm but will deal with it if mort. co. does not)
(loan 73000 originally..owe 69000 and it is a modelure home..built in 1986..needs lots of repairs..that have been put off)
used property tax value for value..less than 20,000 in exception (have that exception because of child)
medical expenses (child with autism) most insurances do not pay for the therapy...but child has other problems that the insurance does pay for
utilities: water, electric, phone/cable/internet (bundle)
food
clothing
gas: work 32 miles from home vehicle gets 30 mpg
property taxes
insurance for property
insurance for '96 vehicle, and 01 motorcycle
both vehicles worth less than 2500

vet expenses: we have 6 dogs and 4 lizards..was prepared to defend if needed at 341...autism children learn alot from pets (everthing that can go wrong with pets has..seizures, bloat, snake bites, parasites (can't tell you how important it is to have them on heartworm meds and keep k9 advantix on them)..learned lesson early on..all are still with us..thankfully and we have a GREAT VET! (our vet told us last time that our lizards should not live as long as they have..he used to work for a zoo in the herb unit, I digress, the lizards are the cheap end of all of this.)

cigarette/entertainment expense:

I think that was pretty much our expenses.

The only question out of the ordinary we were asked was about at 341 was about the amount of cc debt...
answer: divorce proceedings (me: wife, and post divorce proceedings, transfering case from one state to another when neither lived in said state anymore), living expenses when husband lost job (due to missing too much work during my divorce proceedings, medical expenses for special needs child, and lack of Child support at times.)

We have not used cc in years...all accounts closed and were sent to collection.

Anyway, this is a post for those that are lurking and may be wondering how they fit into all of the info that is available here...be honest!

In 60 day club and waiting to see what happens.

On the bright side, hubby and I will celebrate our 9th wedding anniversary this Friday!)

Glad to get a fresh start...and for those that have student loans...keep at it..I was there too...that is why hubby and i have a mortgage...paid student loans off and got mortgage (house was his and we mortgaged it to pay those off..along with other debt but the debt kept coming thanks to ex but child is doing well and that is what matters!)

Things will get better!

I know this was alot of info in one post..I will try to answer questions as they come.

[OhioFiler]

Congratulations on your financial fresh start!

Perhaps it is also time to get a fresh start post-divorce and put your animus toward the ex-husband behind you as well. Often people divorce because they can't handle the control the other spouse has on them during the marriage. It makes no sense to give the EX-spouse the opportunity to continue having influence on your life. Nothing irritates a former controlling spouse more than apathy.

[AngelinaCatHub]

exessuck; great and informative post. I'm pleased you are on the right track to success. 'Hub

[exessuck]

Thanks!

Yes, this is a fresh start in more ways than one. This is the start that hubby and I had in mind when we got married 9 years ago...just took us time to get there.
I have to say it was a very hard decision. We both were in denial and kept telling ourselves for years that someday we could pay off all of the debt that was incurred. No, I can't blame it all on the ex. The majority of it was a result of those issues but we also made some poor choices of our own. The best thing about is, we do recognize that and have a plan. Mostly to live with cc's! That will give us the incentive to save.

It is a process and until lawyer fees are paid, there is not much saving going on...although..there is light at the end of the tunnel. I may also get a promotion in 6 months..which will help us save too. Even with promotion still a tad under means income..yes I had student loans ...did not get to finish my degree..but had the debt just the same.

We just want to be able to enjoy being a family again, like we used to. Nothing fancy, just good old fashion fun. We live in the country and enjoy the outdoors and are ready to enjoy fire side cookouts, playing games, and just chatting with an occasional trip to the zoo or fun center..something we have not done in years! This year has been the hardest..last year we enjoyed the togetherness around the campfire but up until recently have not been able to afford to fix the mower or the firewood or even a decent used chainsaw to cut the wood ourselves on our property. (The weather has played apart in it too....) Here is to hoping for a dry weekend sometime soon! Having to wash mud off the dogs is no fun, the clean up afterwards is even worse...

As for animosity, there really is known...not anymore anyway. It took me years to get over his lack of respect for our child and her well being. Yes, I know my handle leads folks to believe otherwise..honestly having an ex does stink...not what I had planned but and happy he is an ex!

As it has been stated in other posts..addressing the problem(s) whatever they were that got us and others like us in the situation we were in plays a huge role in setting ourselves up for success post BK.

Wishing everyone the best!

[justplaintired]

Sounds like you're headed down the right path. Good luck to you!