NY'er, thinking about filing Pro SE to save money, where do I start?

[loggedoff]

In 2006 I lost my $135k year job when my companyt cut the entire sales force, and the GF of 11 years left me shortly for another guy she had been seeing for over a year I could not afford the debt we had together, but she was able to walk away, it was all in my name.

I am engaged (to a good one this time) and we have to do everything in her name. I have been denied two jobs because of my CR, and we want to get married but not with this following me around, because then it would ne our problem right?. Right now I am a stay at home dad, constantly looking for a decent sales job, the CR makes it reall tough

I am unemployed, I don't own a thing anymore.....not even a car in my name.

I get $365 a week (now, but I am currently interviewing for a few jobs)

Short sale on my house in 2007, sold my assets to pay the loans off. Sold the last one last year.

Have not filed taxes since 2006 (I owe big time) I have close to $50k in unsecured debt showing on my CR, 7 judgements.

I know, I suck Has not always been this way. But I did everything I could to pay back what I could. I just want a fresh start if possible.

I am a do it yourselfer, so after getting quoted $2000-2500 to have a BK done, I have to wonder can I do it myself and not screw it up?

She is willing to pay for me to have this done, but I am tired of not pulling my own ##.

Can someone direct me to a guide that helps me see how all this is done? Or should I just use a lawyer?

Thanks

[Benchracer52]

I feel your pain and am in the same shoes. I tried to file 3 years ago but after paying $3000 in cash and still not getting it filed they were asking for more money and I could not go on any more.

2 months ago I filed pro se and last week I went to see an attorney to look it over - he found a few problems and filed an amendment - I am shaking in my shoes to say the least. My 341 is tomorrow and I will let you know how it goes and how bad they tear me up. The attorney said the trusteee I have been assigned is the worst one there and that I can expect a nightmare - Oh well - maybe I will sleep on the sidewalk tomorrow night - lol.

[jacko]

Your financial problems will not go away if you file and still owe back taxes. The IRS will eventually get to your file and pursue you for back taxes. Since you will be getting married, your future spouses assets will be fair game for IRS tax lien and possible asset seizure. Why bother getting married at this point. You can discharge tax debt provided that the corresponding tax years are three years old and that you filed a return for those years. You should file for the missing years and wait for the two year statue before you file. Stay single, you are collection proof.

In 2006 I lost my $135k year job when my companyt cut the entire sales force, and the GF of 11 years left me shortly for another guy she had been seeing for over a year I could not afford the debt we had together, but she was able to walk away, it was all in my name.

I am engaged (to a good one this time) and we have to do everything in her name. I have been denied two jobs because of my CR, and we want to get married but not with this following me around, because then it would ne our problem right?. Right now I am a stay at home dad, constantly looking for a decent sales job, the CR makes it reall tough

I am unemployed, I don't own a thing anymore.....not even a car in my name.

I get $365 a week (now, but I am currently interviewing for a few jobs)

Short sale on my house in 2007, sold my assets to pay the loans off. Sold the last one last year.

Have not filed taxes since 2006 (I owe big time) I have close to $50k in unsecured debt showing on my CR, 7 judgements.

I know, I suck Has not always been this way. But I did everything I could to pay back what I could. I just want a fresh start if possible.

I am a do it yourselfer, so after getting quoted $2000-2500 to have a BK done, I have to wonder can I do it myself and not screw it up?

She is willing to pay for me to have this done, but I am tired of not pulling my own ##.

Can someone direct me to a guide that helps me see how all this is done? Or should I just use a lawyer?

Thanks

[BankruptinNJ]

In 2006 I lost my $135k year job when my companyt cut the entire sales force, and the GF of 11 years left me shortly for another guy she had been seeing for over a year I could not afford the debt we had together, but she was able to walk away, it was all in my name.

I am engaged (to a good one this time) and we have to do everything in her name. I have been denied two jobs because of my CR, and we want to get married but not with this following me around, because then it would ne our problem right?. Right now I am a stay at home dad, constantly looking for a decent sales job, the CR makes it reall tough

I am unemployed, I don't own a thing anymore.....not even a car in my name.

I get $365 a week (now, but I am currently interviewing for a few jobs)

Short sale on my house in 2007, sold my assets to pay the loans off. Sold the last one last year.

Have not filed taxes since 2006 (I owe big time) I have close to $50k in unsecured debt showing on my CR, 7 judgements.
I know, I suck Has not always been this way. But I did everything I could to pay back what I could. I just want a fresh start if possible.

I am a do it yourselfer, so after getting quoted $2000-2500 to have a BK done, I have to wonder can I do it myself and not screw it up?

She is willing to pay for me to have this done, but I am tired of not pulling my own ##.

Can someone direct me to a guide that helps me see how all this is done? Or should I just use a lawyer?

Thanks

You can use the NOLO book, but your case is so complicated. I really would advise using a lawyer. Especially with unpaid and unfiled taxes -- the IRS is not going away. I did file pro se in New Jersey, but it took me months to do even though my case was a relatively simple no asset case. (I was working full-time). I really think that you need good legal advice. 7 judgments!!!! You need to file as soon as possible.

You should NOT get married at this time. You are unemployed and in debt to both the IRS and creditors. If you get married, your wife might be liable for your bills. You really don't want to start a marriage with all those problems. File BK first and wait for the discharge before getting married.

[malf1204]

You might check your local bankruptcy court website. Here in Maryland they offer low-cost or free attorneys on a sliding scale for those who cannot afford an attorney. If you want to file pro-se every week here at the courthouse you can bring in your paperwork and meet with a free attorney for up to 30 minutes and he will go over your paperwork with you and offer advice. I filed pro-se and everything went OK recieved my discharge July 6, 2011. If you plan to go that route strudy hard and invest in a bankruptcy forms software program it offers examples and makes the paperwork process easier. JUst checked the website and NY does have a pro-bono attorneys check with the local court.

[despritfreya]

While it is always better to have an attorney, as you know, such is not required. I disagree that you have a "complex" case, from what you have posted. The tax issue is not a big deal. You, like many others, have failed to file returns. The taxes will not be discharged and you can work with the IRS (and NY) on an installment agreement. The issue you will have is that your Trustee may and should require that you prepare and file all missing returns. You will want to start working on them now. The NOLO Press reference is good. Got to their web site: http://www.nolo.com

Lastly, it sounds like you are blaming yourself. Stop it. Garbage happens. We deal with it and move on. You have a new life now and just need to clean up the old one.

Des.

[sunshinepa]

Maybe you could let her pay the attorney and then when you are working, see that she gets it back? I really think with all the issues, you need an attorney.

As others advised, don't get married yet, wait until things are settled to protect her.

One thing I don't understand, if you lost your job in 2006 why didn't you file your taxes since then? If you were unemployed, I don't really see how you can owe "big time' ? Or did I misunderstand something? At any rate, get them filed ASAP then work out something with the IRS.