Did you have to file for bankruptcy after your divorce?
I’m in a divorce that now hit the 4 thousand dollar mark with no end in site. When my husband walked out on us he left me in a big mess. I was a stay at home mom and I hadn’t worked in almost 3 years. He left us with no money or anything. He gets to go live with his rich family who are paying for EVERYTHING and he already told me he has the resources to drag this out till he crushes me financially. Honestly he’s doing a good job.
I’m getting help from the government but it’s not enough to take care of me and two kids. I’m several thousand dollars in debt now and that’s only going to get worse. Should I let my attorney bills pile up and keep adding to my credit card debt and file bankruptcy or should I try to dig out?
What would you do? I feel so lost right now.
I was not permitted to file for bankruptcy after my bloody divorce because my husband, bless his soul (NOT) left me the house – and a mortgage – and that house had enough equity in it to pay my bills.
My advice to you is to go see a bankruptcy lawyer – or call a few of them on the phone; many will talk to you via phone and it won’t cost you anything. Even a first-time personal consultation could come without a charge, if you call around first. The bankruptcy lawyer will assess your debts and your income (do you get anything besides governmental aid? Child support? Alimony?, do you own a home?), and advise you accordingly.
This was before the laws changed regarding bankruptcy, but my financial advisor had told me that it was better to declare bankruptcy than to continue to rack up credit card debt.
The argument for bankruptcy might go something like this: "Well, if I file bankruptcy then my credit will be ruined," to which the answer might be, "But if you don’t file bankruptcy, your credit will still be ruined, and you will have all that debt to pay off, not to mention creditors harassing you on the phone, etc. etc.." Not to mention your mental and physical health.
Prayers going up for you….. I really and truly understand what you’re going through. But if you don’t get the advice of a professional now, you will end up like I am: Buried in debt, no way out except the equity in the house which, incidentally, I am not even allowed to touch because I’ve exceeded my equity loan limit – and just lost my job. (I have 3 kids, too).
March 16th, 2010 at 2:26 pmAlthough you are in debt and possibly in the situation you may need to file for bankruptcy, you need to look at this. The new laws in bankruptcy look at everything….included recent charges on credit cards, financing, etc. Other words, it’s not like it used to be and purchasing things current and then go an file bankruptcy, the courts really look at that now. You don’t say whether you have a home, vehicle, and just several thousnad in debt? Instead of racking up huge attorney’s fees, why don’t you consult with your attorney and see what he/she would suggest. You would have to come up with retainer fees to file, which would have to be paid up-front before you can even get a case #. You have to weigh all your options. I’d leave bankruptcy as the last resort, but…I would seek counsel first. Most have free first consultation, or free one hour consultation. If the ex has left you with no money and kids to support, is he paying child support?? Does he pay you anything to live on? He should! Please seek an attorney and see if maybe you can turn the tables on this so called husband, and get your life and your kids back in order. It’s not an easy road to travel, but…it does get better. Good Luck!
March 16th, 2010 at 2:26 pm