I know I hired an attorney. They will cost you though, I am not sure how much. You can consult with one for free. Once you hire an attorney, all creditor calls will go to them. It was a big relief of stress for me to pass it on to them!

We met with an attorney in December, and will begin the filing process with him next Friday. The initial consultation was free. He advised us to STOP paying those bills that we intended to file on, all credit cards and unsecured loans, and this has allowed us to be able to pay the necessary utilities since then. The total cost of filing and attorney fees is going to be about $1350. It may be different with different attorneys and states, but in my opinion, is well worth it to know that it's done right.

I'm bumping this up for myself. I appreciate your advice. Do you think this is my only option? It seems so scary to do so but like I stated above I'm sure my credit already messed up and I can't pay them so its just gonna get worse.

Speaking for myself, we had no other option. The worst part of it all has been all the phone calls, until I discovered this nifty little feature on my phone called "Do not disturb". I hate that we ran up all these bills that we now cannot pay, but the way I look at it, what we owe these companies is not even a drop in the bucket compared to their annual profits, and they really won't miss what we don't pay them. As to the credit issue, ours is already so screwed that bankruptcy can't hurt it that much. We already have a plan in place for after filing, and I'm already feeling so much relief at the thoughts of not having such debt hanging over my head.

I had no other way out I am in the same situation my husband and I are in the middle if chapter 7 bankruptcy. Its is expensive and we did hire a lawyer..We payed $1600.00 how the hell they expect you to have that money when your there to file bankruptcy is beyond me but we came up with it. The good thing is we keep our house and car. I honestly think its a good thing.....

In my opinion, 27 is too young to consider filing bankruptcy. I would think that future creditors would look more favorably on loaning money to someone who hasn't filed bankruptcy. I don't think filing bankruptcy because of credit card debt is necessary. Check your state's law for collections procedures. If they can't garnish your wages, I just wouldn't pay them and let it go on my credit report as a write-off. They could seek and record a judgment on your credit file, but that'll go away in 7-10 years, but a bankruptcy will not go away. I'm sure filing bankruptcy is an option for some, but I think if you can find another way, you should.

Well when your husband is 36 and you already have a 3 year old and 17 year old at 27 along with a house 2 cars. And have had a very ruff child hood you could say that 27 is just a number. And some people could still be in the same financial problems as a 100 year old.

Hello, Know your pain; there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Bankruptcy is there for a fresh start. Do not be ashamed or afraid of it.
Executed my bankruptcy in 2002 with no attorney. I have the Lord who is better.
I now have a credit card at a decent rate.
Because you are younger then me you will have a better chance of cleaning everything up after the bankruptcy. Offers will come out of the woodwork - please throw them away. Because you are younger than me you will have it easier in re-establishing credit because of future earning potential.
Do not make yourself sick over this, you and your spouse need to calm down and know there is always hope.
Stay at the job you have - my opinion. shalom

If I were to file bankruptcy, would I still be able to buy a house in the future. Also can they take my car if the loan is already paid for?

Kirby1 - If I don't file bankruptcy, what I do about the creditors that keep calling. How do I get them to stop. They also have my work number. Also where would I find info on the collection procedures in my state?

Charity - I do plan to stay at my current job...for just the insurance and the fact that they are very understanding about my limitations due to my medical condition. I also have not seen a raise in three years...its rough and I am way overqualified. Also would you recommend a lawyer or was going it alone fairly easy?

Overall, I am trying to research all options before making a decision.

In answer to your question: should you go it alone or hire an attorney? Depends on you; you are the only person who can make the decision, your personality, your willingness to work on it, your property, your stress level are some of the deciding factors. Know this most attorneys do not do everything for you they hand you required forms and tell you to fill them out.
You will have to do the footwork. Do not expect them to get your furniture, jewelry, clothes etc. appraised. If you choose an attorney ask quesitons to find the right one for your problems. When I was interviewing attorneys I had a particular question that made me know if they were the ones I needed. The question was "Can you write back taxes off in bankruptcy?" When four out of seven said no, I knew there was a problem. The answer is yes.
So I invested not in an attorney but in the best tax/financial consultant in the country (in my opinion/research) and had him do the tax part for my bankruptcy. I made sure every i was dotted and t crossed: I needed someone who really knew IRS tax regulations codes.
Every state has different rules so you have to find out what is allowed in your state. Look things up at the library, pray about it and make a well informed decision. By the way never came across an attorney who will do the bankruptcy unless they are paid in full.
I could not afford them.

Before I forget - credit card companies will make settlements unless the debt has already been sold. Certain companies buy debts and then they collect - they do not pay full price. They buy in bundles. If it is a credit card company that is calling you can make them an offer (when they think you are going to go bankrupt they will consider offers) and settle. Know this though it will still be on your credit report.
Everything goes on credit reports.

We just consulted an attorney about filing and his fees are $2000. We are going to use our tax return. It's better than struggling thru and trying to pay cc bills. We really can't pay them anymore. We barely make it on my hubby's checks anyways.

You are not alone! It sounds like my story. Except my has been a year instead of 6 months.

I am in the uk so things are done differently here no doubt but i did mine all myself and that cost enough on its own

Do not feel ashamed. You have done all you could possibly do. My husband's business took a turn for the worse 3 years ago and we had to file bankruptcy through an attorney. It totally stops the creditor calls. Your only other option is Consumer Credit Counseling Service but.... your credit is more screwed up if you use them rather than file bankruptcy. We are still suffering for the bankruptcy but we are a lot better off. God bless!