how many here are filing chapter 7 for youself?

[anykey]

There is sure alot to know to do it yourself. I am so broke- I have to do it myself. Even now I must wait- so as to have cash for copies--

[justbroke]

I did it myself. My case was complex and actually a converted Chapter 13. I was a special case and over the median. You can do it, but you really need to assess what exposure you have (assets without exemptions), and whether you otherwise qualify for a Chapter 7. Have you read the Pro Se section?

[anykey]

Yes- I own a house- and there are 2 judgements- in PA- I figure I have 7k equity in my house.

[gregemm]

I did; Ch-7 in Arizona, but I was a pretty straightforward case. I had no non-exempt assets I was trying to keep and overall am very happy with how it has turned out. Granted, there were a couple things I would have probably done differently if I either 1-had more time or 2- used an attorney. Honestly the only trouble I ran into was with a reaffirmation on a vehicle. Most of that could have been avoided if there was better communication from the lenders side. Research, research then research some more. I had started reading everything I could more than 6 months ago, wasn't really ready to file but had to.
I literally had $100 in my pocket when I filed - I had two levies hit my bank account the day I got paid; used 50 to file and the rest to live on and get to work until I got my accounts un-frozen

[anykey]

I found my file from 2004 when I did it last time. Much of it can be copied over!! YES.

[bcohen]

I plan to file myself (without paying for an attorney) because I don't have assets to protect, or money to pay for attorney fees. If I actually owned anything which I needed to protect, then I'd use an attorney.

If you own a house, or other valuable assets, then I would suggest you NOT "cheap out" and try to do it yourself. If not, then why waste thousands of dollars to do what you can do yourself with a little research and patience?

[anykey]

I have an old car- worth maybe $1500. A house worth $32,500- mortgage is $23,000. Oridinal mortgage was $25,500. I have 2 credit card liens and one coming for about $30,000. I have a $400 visa which is secured by a $400 savings account.

[HHM]

I found my file from 2004 when I did it last time. Much of it can be copied over!! YES.

Seriously, if that is what you think...get a lawyer.

[anykey]

Seriously, if that is what you think...get a lawyer.

Easier said then done. For the past 2.5 weeks- I have less then $20 cash and less the $2 food stamps. I live on $815 a month- and from that I run a house- and a car on the road. I would have to stop paying the mortgage for 7 months to have the cash for an attorney. PA shuts off utilties real fast- so I can not slide there. For $815 a month- I pay a mortgage- which is principle- interest- insurance and taxes; gas heat, electric, water and sewer, landline phone, DSL, car insurance, copays on medical, food, maintenance on house- clothes thrift store- hair cut beauty school. When I get my check on the 3rd- I pay the mortgage and all utilities. I reduced the car and house insurance to the bare bones. I do not have TV or cell.

I had an emergency of $350- and that set me back. There is never extra cash. I have even borrowed from neighbors- but no more then $150.

Even if I paid nothing for 3 months- figure chapter 7- $1500, and 2 judgements $600- = $2100.

I am permanent and total disabled, on SSDI.

If I do not hire an attorney- I can skip the $306 filing fee- due to my income. But if I hire an attorney and it costs even $1- then I am at $307, and he did not do anything yet.

I have about $7,000 equity in my house. $30k in credit card judgements. My car book value is $1700. There is less then 2 gallons of gas in my car.

I also do not own a printer. I have to order a duplicate title to my car- which will cost- $22.00- I have to wait till I get my check even for that- because I have less then $20 to my name.

I am going to call legal aid to see if they can help.

[LadyInTheRed]

I am going to call legal aid to see if they can help.

Yes, that is what you should do. You can also use this website to find legalaid services for bankruptcy: http://palawhelp.org/PA/StateChannel...82/bAllState/0

It seems that your biggest problem is an income problem that bankruptcy will not fix. You need to figure out how to live within your means so you don't end up filing BK for a 3rd time. I know it's rough and that you have probably already cut to the bones. On the average, you have incurred about $300 per month in credit card debt since your last BK. You need to figure out some way to be able to deal with the next $350 (or bigger) emergency without using credit. Are you taking advantage of all of the social services available to you? Can you rent for less than you pay in mortgage, insurance, taxes, maintenance and repair. Rent often includes water and sewer and sometimes even gas and/or electric.

Make sure you come up with a post BK plan that will keep you out of another BK.

[anykey]

Lady in red- no rents cost more then my mortgage.

One idea- I could do- is fill the forms out- to the point that I think I am ready- and then go to a free consultation- my brother is going to give me a printer- and if he does not make it to PA I could send him $20 to ship it.

So-
1. get duplicate car title
2. take the class again
3. get printer

from there see if legal aid can help- if not then see if a free consult can help- if that fails- then compare costs- as I think a no name attorney would be cheaper then the one I used last time.


I do not know how to live with in my means- I figure I need more like $1200 a month.

I could- possibly move to a cheaper area- 2- make sure I am on every program there is- 3 take a room mate.

Even section 8 would cost me a few $ more then my house payment.

[LadyInTheRed]

I suggest you try to to get help from legal aid without delay. The sooner you get help, the better. If they won't help, get free consults with at least 3 attorneys and ask as many question as you can. Then, if you decide to file pro-se, buy the Nolo Press Chapter 7 book (if you don't already have it) to help you prepare your petition. Wait until you are ready to file to take the class again. I believe you can get a fee waiver for the class if your income is low enough.

Because you don't think you can live within your means, you should consider whether you should file BK at all. When you go for free consults, ask about protecting the equity in your home and other assets from creditors. I don't think your SSDI can be garnished. Creditors may be able to put a lien on your house, but I don't think they can force a sale. All things to ask attorneys about in free consults.

[keepsmiling]

I am beyond impressed on what you manage to do on your income. I have never heard of a 32K house in the Northeast. I could not rent anywhere for this amount in NJ.
Surely you are eligible for some help with gas, electric and water.
I would have liked the roommate idea until I heard about Hub's scammers However, some counties have home sharing departments that vet the potential roomies. Might be worth a phone call?
Sounds like you'd be a pretty straightforward case, if your house assessment is really correct.
I truly wish you the best of luck.

[anykey]

The house was cheap because it was a foreclosure. I had to put x thousand into it- to get the mortgage- replacing it would cost around 56k.

I took a huge chance when I bought it- 5 others wanted it- but nothing was turned on. The old people took a sledge hammer to the toilet and to the walls.

lady- in a way- I could just let it go- for now. At some point I will have to tho. I was thinking it takes 2 years after to get a mortgage.

One of my neighbors is interested in purchasing my house. This would allow me to move to a quieter location.

The glass is half full- A good number of guys my age still rent- even some guys with tradesmen skills living in their cars.

I do get LIHEAP- there are no programs for electric water- I also get lifeline for the phone.

Most of the credit card debt was an attempt to fix the house up. I did not get very far on that. Figure $20,500 in credit used- and 9k in fees and interest.

The place is still in disrepair- but it does not bother me. I could go on 10 years and be fine.