How do I begin? ...and other questions

[3131tj]

Do I need to get a BK att'y? If so, where and how much should I expect to pay?
Facts:
I made less than $10,000 last year, single, rent, have 1995 car, just finished 6 years of school (I know I cannot get my student loans discharged), owe $1000 in taxes from 2003 and will likely owe another $1000 this year (self-employed/freelance). I have about $15,000 in cc deb and $14,000 in student loans which I need to begin making payments on this summer. I only owe family and friends $900 in personal debt.

Should I get copies of my credit report (I live in a state where I can't get a freebie until September)?

If I transfer balances to one of my cards and pay off (or almost) another do I have to claim that "clean" card in my filing?

Should I wait a couple months after using any cards to file?

thanks!

jt

[HHM]

First thing you need to do, STOP using your credit cards.

You don't need to hire an attorney to file BK, but it is advisable to do so if you can. However, if you have 6 years of higher eduction, you can probably figure it out.

Don't transfer balances between cards if you are going to file BK. Also, wait at least 90 days from the last time you used your cards before you file BK.

[3131tj]

payments?

should I continue to make payments on the cards?

[HHM]

Only if you are certain you are going to file, then yes, stop payment. Why throw good money after bad

[vic6string]

You may want to at least see a bankruptcy attorney

Most good ones will give initial consultation for free, and you may get some good info about specific things in your state. Just remember, an attorney will almost always lean you towards bankruptcy, and credit counselor will almost always lean you towards working a deal (they each make their money based on your choice). If you do decide to file, do so quickly as the new laws will make it much more difficult for you. Don't transfer stuff around, don't use your cards, and if you decide to go through with it, stop paying them. Also, try o put as much cash away as you can since you will be living off cash for a while. One good tip my attorney gave us was to use our check card frequently at places like Walmart and Target and grocery stores on small ticket items and take some cash out each time. These small (usually $100 or less) bills at those types of stores don't look suspicious because after all, you gotta eat! Just stay away from big ticket items and stores that sell primarily non-essentials like Best Buy.

Good luck