once again help

[cameron]

I'm filing bankruptcy next week. i can't take this stress anymore.

I'm going to the lawyer next week don't even know what i have to do. What do I need to bring? What do i do with the spare money in my checking and savings which is like a 1000 total?


how do I protect my two cars that are paid for? We both have to get to work with two kids.

[cameron]

and how do I find a good lawyer in louisiana?

[broketucson]

Your best bet is to get together with a few lawyers. For us it took a few but we finally found a great guy who answered all of our questions and we trusted. They can tell you what you need to do. I brought check stubs and bank info and he told me what needed to be done. Its not that bad when you find the right attorney. Best wishes!

[Michigan1951]

it's normal to panic....

I'm filing bankruptcy next week. i can't take this stress anymore.

I'm going to the lawyer next week don't even know what i have to do. What do I need to bring? What do i do with the spare money in my checking and savings which is like a 1000 total?


how do I protect my two cars that are paid for? We both have to get to work with two kids.

All of us felt the same way in the beginning. Our lawyer told us to bring income sources, credit card statements, an updated credit report, tax returns for 2 yrs, bank statements for the last 2 months, car loan contracts, titles to cars and home, insurance policies, life insurance polices, home loan contracts, ............and more. Maybe, if you have already chosen a lawyer, call the office and ask for a list of items that you should bring in. Other than that, any questions you have about your cars, or money in checking acct. can be answered by the lawyer at your initial consult.
The most work you have to do is get the paperwork together that the lawyer asks for in the beginning. Once that is done, it all takes shape from there on to discharge, being a c7 or c13, on a case that doesn't have issues. Your lawyer can tell you when to file after he sees your look back on cc usage and if there were any preferential payments, insider payments made, transfers of property before you filed etc. He knows the timelines for all this.
I know you are scared. I was petrified. When I started here I felt like I was a pain to the readers sometimes because I thought the things I was worrying so much about was silly. I know now that me being scared, petrified, and felt lost in the beginning is normal. I didn't understand the bk terms, or the abrv. words that are used, or even understood why trustees could be jerks to some and not others. I had to get seasoned by the veterans here, and I did. I appreciate them so much now. You too will be okay. Keep talking and asking, and don't be afraid here. Good luck. Keep updating.

[sunshineMN]

I too am very new to this. We just met with a lawyer on Monday. We were lucky in that we knew a couple people that have files for BK before so they referred us to this guy. When we called to make an appt to see him, they mailed us a letter that listed everything that we should bring to our consultation. Things included pay stubs for the past 7 months, a list of all our creditor (and any collection agencies and/or lawyers working on any of the accounts) including addresses, copies of most recent credit card statements, copies of last 2 years tax returns, a list of your assets (home, vehicles, jewelry, 401k, insurance policies, any personal belonging that has a high value (I learned to report any belonging that has to be REGISTERED such as boats, trailers, ATVs, guns, etc. as anyone can look up to see REGISTERED items)

I would also suggest bringing in copies of titles on any vehicles you own, a copy of your most recent property tax statement (to show approx. value on your home), copy of deed or title on your home...these all show what is in who's name.

Sounds like a lot I know, but trust me, you will feel sooo much better after meeting with a lawyer. You will know what your options are, and they should be able to answer all your questions and put you at ease.

Hang in there! This is a great place to get the reassurance we all need. There are some great people here that give some good info to us newbies...I'm feeling much better about my situation and finally sleeping at night again.

Keep posting!!!

[lovebirds]

What city do you live in cameron? I'm in Baton Rouge.

[DebtHater]

I've recently filed and all I can say is do some lawyer shopping prior to retaining one. They all should give you free consultations where they will answer any questions.

In my efforts I consulted with two different lawyers.

The first was an associate of a reputable firm. Even though the firm was reputable I did not retain him because the associate I had the consultation with had to run off and ask someone else with any questions I had.

The second lawyer I consulted and retained appears very educated as he put on a heck of a sales pitch during our consultation. He also answered all my questions with out hesitation. He is also one of the three trustees in the local district court. I have yet to determine if that is good or bad. My thoughts are he will know what the trustees will look for and he'll be able to avoid any red flags in the petition. Additionally I'm hoping he will have a good re pore with the trustee assigned to the case.