Does this seem like OVERKILL from my lawyer???

[tinfoilhat]

he is only just now getting into BK's.

Strike one.

It's now been 4 days and he has not gotten back to me.

Strike 2.

I'm thinking that he's asking for all of this due to the fact he's NEW to this area of law?!

Strike 3.

I'm also somewhat leary of a 'newbie' to practicing BK law.

Strike 4.

Each lawyer that I spoke to seemed to contradict one another and this new lawyer just seemed to match my personality.

Stike 5. Partially on your part, you're not looking for a friend you're looking for someone to handle a legal matter.

I know that a bunch of posters on here were discussing what online course they took and how much it cost, and I just couldn't find it for the heck of me

Strike 6. He should provide you with that info.

Please note, the above is directed to the lawyer, not the OP of this thread.

Below is directed to the poster of this thread. Read what you wrote, what I've quoted. I'd run.

And FWIW I'm an idiot who paid $300 to retain one lawyer, hired another for $1500 NO REFUNDS, then fired him.

Every lawyer is going to contradict the other BTW.

My advice going off this thread is find someone else. Ignore me or consider it. Your decision doesn't cost me anything so do what you want to do.

[hereforinfo]

You are supposed to be paid based on you top 3 years of working. In my top years of working I peaked at $80,000 per year. I got some paper from the Social Security Admin saying that if I manage to live to like 67 years old and not die from diabetes, a stroke, a heart attack or alcohol poisoning before then, I may be able to collect like $1,500-1,700/mo. or something close.

So if I can manage to make like $3,000+ per month from some MLM in the future when I become like 60 years old, plus that SS income, then maybe I could live comfortable sitting in some place like Costa Rica, Argentina, Brazil or Peru. Are you down with that? I'll have to give up the fancy cars like here in the US, but so be it.

"Your Social Security retirement benefit is based on your 35 highest earning years. Although you only need ten years of credits to be eligible, you should try to get credits for all 35 years."

They use an average of those 35 years. One year of making more money is not going to do much for you if the rest of the years are low.

[debtmonster]

"Your Social Security retirement benefit is based on your 35 highest earning years. Although you only need ten years of credits to be eligible, you should try to get credits for all 35 years."

They use an average of those 35 years. One year of making more money is not going to do much for you if the rest of the years are low.

That's a buzz kill. So what's happening with all of these taxes I am paying each year then?

[debtmonster]

Now if I could just find that link to all the online BK approved counseling classes or the posts where everyone tells who they used and how much they cost ?????

http://www.personalfinanceeducation.com/

Pretty cheap. I had some other offer in the mail for $70 bucks for a married couple. I am thinking of writing them back telling them to go pound sand after seeing the one in the URL here. My attorney gave me the URL above.

[hereforinfo]

That's a buzz kill. So what's happening with all of these taxes I am paying each year then?

According to your other posts, WHAT TAXES?

[lrprn]

Now if I could just find that link to all the online BK approved counseling classes...

Here it is - http://www.usdoj.gov/ust/eo/bapcpa/ccde/cc_approved.htm . Select your state from the Approved Agencies by State drop-down list.

Be absolutely certain that the pre-filing course you take is one approved by your state. If you are filing with a lawyer, then ask him/her which agency they recommend.

And please don't assume that because another filer here posts a link to the course they took, that it's ok for you to take that same course too. It might be, or it might not be. You don't want to take a course that isn't approved by your state - not only is it a complete waste of money, it can get your filing dismissed as well.

[debtmonster]

According to your other posts, WHAT TAXES?

what do you mean "WHAT TAXES?"

What do you think I do when I make over $50,000 per year? Do I just tell the IRS to get bent? I have to pay like 12% of that in taxes.

[debtmonster]

And please don't assume that because another filer here posts a link to the course they took, that it's ok for you to take that same course too. It might be, or it might not be. You don't want to take a course that isn't approved by your state - not only is it a complete waste of money, it can get your filing dismissed as well.

While you do have a point, there was absolutely nothing on that web site saying that course was specific to Florida. I was only trying to save somebody money because I've gotten offers in the mail right after I filed where the prices were basically for the same course and 3x the price of the one I took that my attorney recommended for me.

[LDL]

That is a very good point LRPRN!

For those reading this thread, everyone needs to keep that fact in mind, that the PreBK course that they choose must be approved by their particular state! In my case, I was hoping to get a general consensus from posters on this forum on price and quality of their services, plus the ease of getting the certificate and then check the businesses with the most posters' accolades against my state's list to pick whom I'd end up using .

As it is, there is only ONE approved Counseling place that is physically in my area, but they also do debt consolidation and I was afraid that they would try to push me in that direction so that they would make more money . Plus they charge $50 bucks and I knew I could go somewheres else for less .

Here it is - http://www.usdoj.gov/ust/eo/bapcpa/ccde/cc_approved.htm . Select your state from the Approved Agencies by State drop-down list.

Be absolutely certain that the pre-filing course you take is one approved by your state. If you are filing with a lawyer, then ask him/her which agency they recommend.

And please don't assume that because another filer here posts a link to the course they took, that it's ok for you to take that same course too. It might be, or it might not be. You don't want to take a course that isn't approved by your state - not only is it a complete waste of money, it can get your filing dismissed as well.

[bkmaggster]

For those reading this thread, everyone needs to keep that fact in mind, that the PreBK course that they choose must be approved by their particular state!

Just to qualify further, it must be approved by your DISTRICT. Most states have multiple districts, and each district may not have the same approved providers.

[debtmonster]

How come on the web site I went to it doesn't say anything about checking?

These new Ch. 7 laws made in October 2005 ABSOLUTELY SUCK!!!!!!

Making poor people suffer more than needed.

[OhioFiler]

How come on the web site I went to it doesn't say anything about checking?

These new Ch. 7 laws made in October 2005 ABSOLUTELY SUCK!!!!!!

Making poor people suffer more than needed.

Your attorney should have advised you of this info. I'm surprised given how much you paid him he forgot to explain this to you.

[LuciluS]

I gave the EXACT same website to pre and post bankruptcy classes for each district and state in Post #19 of this thread dated yesterday at 11:35 am for LDL. I think people need to take the time to read the Entire Thread. Here is my post.

LDL:

Here is the website for your bankruptcy classes:

http://www.usdoj.gov/ust/eo/bapcpa/ccde/cc_approved.htm

If you State has more than one district, 'Google' (my best friend) your city,state and add bankruptcy on the end. Google should bring up your District/State's website.

In Arkansas, we have two districts...Eastern and Western.

Luci


Yes, last Sept. our BK Attorney told us who he recommended for the Pre and post bankruptcy classes. Well, guess what? I went to the website I posted in #19 of this thread and this company is no longer listed. They no longer offer the courses. Personally, I wouldn't rely on my Attorney to get this information. Why? Read my next paragraph

As the above website is the 'Official Website' it is not up to date. Click on it as it states as of 'March 2009'. I would recommend to Everyone to call the company and make sure they are still approved in your district/State for these courses, BEFORE taking them.

Luci

[LuciluS]

"Your Social Security retirement benefit is based on your 35 highest earning years. Although you only need ten years of credits to be eligible, you should try to get credits for all 35 years."

They use an average of those 35 years. One year of making more money is not going to do much for you if the rest of the years are low.

Thanks hereforinfo. I was going to post Debtmonster was incorrect on the 3 years, but I was too tired last night to argue with him. I'll just say this, if you attempt to under report your Earnings on Schedule C of any tax return, it comes back to bite ya in the rear when it comes time for you to retire.

Dang! I miss working as an Accountant. It was a profession I truly enjoyed. And to think getting rear ended in 3/05 took it away from me as I'm deemed 100% disabled. Dh's health is not in the best shape, but yesterday he said he enjoys driving the big truck all over the country. He was in Eastern Kentucky this last week and said the mountains were beautiful. But, he said he would go nuts if he had to stay at home all the time.

Luci

[debtmonster]

Your attorney should have advised you of this info. I'm surprised given how much you paid him he forgot to explain this to you.

The paralegal gave me the card. The only time I ever spoke with the attorney was during the original consultation. The paralegals have been handling it from here. They have a stack of cards they give out to new clients telling them where to go for the bankruptcy education.

Why don't these web sites ask what state you're in and tell you that you won't qualify to use their course then? What kind of operation are these people running over there? Geez.