So I'm going to condense/generalize my situation as much as possible
- I figured I should start by mentioning that Im' only 32 years old. In February 2022, I was diangosed with COPD because of a chemical exposure at my job. I filed a workers comp claim, and it was denied. So I hired a lawyer, and appealed it. After 7 months, my case was brought before a judge in September of 2022. It's been 2 years now, and my case is still going on. From February of 2022 to February of 2023 I wasn't working because my case was in limbo. Then in 2023 I was officially terminated from my job for filing the claim. That's a whole other long complicated legal situation at this point.
- At the same time this was all going on, I had just signed a lease for a new apartment (had I known I was going to go through this major legal battle I would have never done this). So for 13 months I put my entire life on credit cards and took out a personal loan. Because my claim was denied, I've also been paying all of my medical bills out of pocket that my insurance won't cover/copays. So I currently have about $200,000 in debt. Don't ever get sick and take it to court...it's a nasty battle.
- I finally have a new job now, but it doesn't pay as well as my old job did. I was also able to break my lease without fees, 2ish months early because of my situation. And I moved back home. Unfortunately, with my income only being about $55,000/year before taxes, I can't afford my monthly bills. So I hired a BK lawyer recommened to me by my WC lawyer. I found out that I qualify for chapter 7, and will officially sign the petition this Friday. It took my lawyer about 7 weeks to get everything together and filed though because my case is VERY unique and complicated.
Here's my first question:
I have credit cards with balances with the following banks that I have no choice but to burn, which ones are "forgiving" when it comes to filing chapter 7?
- Bank of America
- Chase
- Discover
- American Express
- Synchrony Bank
- Barclays
- Citi
- Wellsfargo
- TD Bank (Target RedCard)
My second question:
How soon after my discharge can I get a secured card? Or are secured card applications the same as regular credit card applications?
My third question:
My lawyer said I don't have to include/close cards that don't have a balance. I have a credit card with my credit union that only has a $600 limit but no balance. Would I be able to keep this card if I called the bank? Or will it be forced closed?
My fourth question:
I was given some possibly hopeful news though about applying for future loans/credit cards. My lawyer told me that the judge/trustee will most likely provide some kind of letter that I can present to banks about my situation. My debt isn't because I poorly managed my finances, it's because of a lawsuit that was out of my control. My question is this: has anyone else been in a situation similar to mine?
(I'm not looking/seeking legal advice since I already have a lawyer. I'm just seeking 3rd party opinions from people who have filed chapter 7 and have gone through something similar in anyway. And if it matters I'm in CT)
