Do I file?? Need Advice Please!

[OverMyHead79]

I am at my wits end and I need some advice. I spoke with a credit counselor last week and he advised me to file bankruptcy but I am still not sure if that is the correct thing to do...

I am technically a single mother. My boyfriend and I live together and he gives me money to pay bills every month which goes into my bank account. I work full time.

I have about $21,000 in credit card debt. I cannot believe I have let it get this bad but it has. I can barely make the minimum payments and at this rate it could take me 30 years to pay them off.

I have two cars in my name:
98 Ford Expedition
02 Dodge Intrepid.

I guess my questions are:
Can I loose my cars?
Do I have to have nothing in my bank account?

The credit counselor made it sound so easy but the more I read online, the more scared I am getting.

PLEASE... any advice is extremely appreciated.

I am located in Florida.

Thank you!

[SMinGA]

Do you own both vehicles outright? Or are you making payments on one or both? Florida allows $1,000 for vehicle exemption. Meaning you're entitled to $1,000 worth of equity. Balance owed on the car loan(s) minus current value = equity.

A good first step if you're contemplating bankruptcy is to schedule free consultations with at least 2-3 attorneys. Discuss with them your income, expenses, and debts. Since regulations vary by district, speaking to local attorneys is important. Getting 2nd, 3rd, etc. opinions is never harmful!

[OverMyHead79]

Thank you...

Yes, I own both vehicles. No money is owed on either. I cannot risk losing either car because one belongs to my boyfriend but is in my name.

Thank you again for the advice, I have just looked up some attorneys in my area.