I can't help much with bankruptcy; I just wanted to say I agree with the posters who've advised you to see a lawyer on this part of your question. I'd also try talking to your tax-preparer. He/she might have some advise or know a good attorney. If you retirement account is tax-exempt, I'd try everything before liquidating it and taking the tax-hit.
I do know that if you can make a "good-faith" effort to pay a small amount each month to medical creditors (hospitals, etc.) they will often work out a payment schedule with you. In some states this gives your primary residence legal protection.
Also, if you have any loans/credit card debt, tell them what your situation is. You may have to speak with several people, and it will be frustrating, but many times they will work with you as well on long term payment plans, lower rates etc. You might want to try one of the non-profit consumer credit counseling agencies.
Lastly, do anything you can to decrease spending and increase income. If you have equity in your home, can you sell it and get a cheaper one? Or possibly rent a portion of it? If you have cable or cell phones, I'd disconnect them. I'd even sell most of the furniture if it'd help avoid bankruptcy.
Good luck to you. I hope things get much better for you soon.
Barberlover, From your original post, I figure you're probably in dire financial shape, or getting there. Otherwise, you wouldn't be talking about bankruptcy. QUESTION:What's most inportant to you? Your health, food on the table, roof over your head, or some meaningless material thing as a coin collection? It's probably hard for a lot of people to understand this, but yes, when it comes down to it, it is really meaningless. Cut out on ALL the luxuries man. Don't do anything illegal. If you have friends, ask around for a good and honest (hmhh, is that possible?) attorney. Just kidding there, sorry. Now, get off your a$$ and go do the right thing. Hope things eventually work out for you.
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I can't help much with bankruptcy; I just wanted to say I agree with the posters who've advised you to see a lawyer on this part of your question. I'd also try talking to your tax-preparer. He/she might have some advise or know a good attorney. If you retirement account is tax-exempt, I'd try everything before liquidating it and taking the tax-hit.
I do know that if you can make a "good-faith" effort to pay a small amount each month to medical creditors (hospitals, etc.) they will often work out a payment schedule with you. In some states this gives your primary residence legal protection.
Also, if you have any loans/credit card debt, tell them what your situation is. You may have to speak with several people, and it will be frustrating, but many times they will work with you as well on long term payment plans, lower rates etc. You might want to try one of the non-profit consumer credit counseling agencies.
Lastly, do anything you can to decrease spending and increase income. If you have equity in your home, can you sell it and get a cheaper one? Or possibly rent a portion of it? If you have cable or cell phones, I'd disconnect them. I'd even sell most of the furniture if it'd help avoid bankruptcy.
Good luck to you. I hope things get much better for you soon.
From your original post, I figure you're probably in dire financial shape, or getting there. Otherwise, you wouldn't be talking about bankruptcy. QUESTION:What's most inportant to you? Your health, food on the table, roof over your head, or some meaningless material thing as a coin collection? It's probably hard for a lot of people to understand this, but yes, when it comes down to it, it is really meaningless.
Cut out on ALL the luxuries man.
Don't do anything illegal. If you have friends, ask around for a good and honest (hmhh, is that possible?) attorney. Just kidding there, sorry.
Now, get off your a$$ and go do the right thing.
Hope things eventually work out for you.
Good luck.