Need to file CH7 - Have questions/concerns

[Anonymous]

Good afternoon all,

New here, I've been stalking the boards for some time though, like most

About 3 years ago this board encouraged me to start to build my credit so that I could one day become a homeowner.  I had everything in perfect order except for one thing, my abusive ex.  I was in an abusive relationship for several years and part of the abuse was financial.  She used my cards, got cards in my name, got increases that I never knew about etc.  I tried to pay all this for 2 years and tried to get the balances down but she just kept ringing it up and buying and spending.  And please, unless you are familiar with the dynamic of a domestic violence relationship, don't question that.  I was a fool and am now suffering it.  She has moved back to her home country and no matter what I do I cannot pursue charges against her, so I am stuck with this but I am not going to let it beat me!

I have about 50k in debt at this point, most of which is unsecured credit card debt and I have maybe $1000 in medical expenses from ER visits.  It looks look everyone from Bank of America to Syncrony has been burned.  There are no car loans, home loans or personal loans included in any of this.  It is crazy for me to see it so high because just 7 months ago it was just around 32k - they have increased the interest rates and charged so many late fees that it has increased this much! All the cards are closed but I am still incurring late fees it looks like.  

I had to stop paying on all my credit cards about 7 months ago, it was either a roof over my head or the credit card companies, and I am not lucky enough to have a supportive family.

Now the good,  I have 13 positive accounts, that which I paid and closed, all this happened before I stopped paying on all the cards. 

From my research it looks like I will qualify for CH7 due to being low income, it is proving very difficult to find an attorney that I can afford in NE Florida though.

Based on what I have said, does anyone have advice?  Will my positive accounts stay on my report?  I am really open to any opinions, suggestions etc.  I just want to get the bankruptcy over so that I can move on with my life. Creditors are now threatening to sue me and I just lost my regular job of 4 years.  Things are rough but they will get better. 

Thank you for reading, and sorry for being so long.

[Melanie220]

I'm following, I'm in the same boat financially and need relief.

[6speed8]

A close friend is still paying for his "abusive ex" so don't feel alone or persecuted. I filed last year. My student loans were forgiven under Disability Discharge. All of them, as well as an old account or two long before bankruptcy still show under "good standing" on my reports.

[ezdriver]

A ch7 discharge removes personal liability for repayment of all debt included in the discharge ... meaning everything unless one or more is reaffirmed. It is a "fresh start" creditwise. Old accouns no longer matter. New tradelines and the future use/payment records for them are the "backbone" of a robust credit profile in the future. Two to three credit cards and one installment loan is a sound basis for rebuilding one's credit profile. I recommend that you forget about th epast and focus your enerigies on your future. The sun will rise tomorrow morning ... you can be assured of that. All the best to you.

[Anonymous]

Absolutely agree, that there is positive that will come from this.  I have certainly learned a lot!

Do all the positive accounts stay on my credit profile?  I am hoping since I do have some good credit that my score won't completely crash for a while, plus I have a someone with a great card and low util. that will add me as an AU to help build. 

[Anonymous]

I was in the same position as you for like 4 years. Ended up 105k in debt. Filed bankruptcy 9/15. Credit score: 400. Discharged 12/17 and with some aggressive credit building techniques im sitting at 630 across the board. You will make it out, I have faith in you!

[Anonymous]

We were able to work out a payment plan with our lawyer when we filed. Had to have the court costs up front, but worked a deal out with him for his fees. You might see if there is someone like that in your area. It sounds like yours should be straightforward. As others have said, don't look back, look forward. Those accounts you closed should remain as positive lines for 10 years. That will help your age of accounts. But remember, it is time to look forward not back. Good luck to you.

[Anonymous]

I've definitely looked for an attorney that would allow for that but they say then they become a creditor and that is the issue we are trying to get rid of, it makes perfect sense.  I will be seeking other options this coming week.

Big concern: Will I be able to get student loans if I have a bankruptcy or am in the middle of filing?  I am due to start college this summer and am worried about this.