I am filing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy... Can I let my bills go late before I file? ?

Question

I have never been late on my payments on any of my debts.

I've been told (by some friends and colleagues) to just let them all go late and use the extra $$ to get set up in an apartment (since I am surrendering my home due to it being worth less than I owe on it)

I mean, my credit is going to be c**p anyway and it will take me a few months to get the bankrupty filed and the hearing held. Also, I will need some $$ to pay the up-front Attorney fees.

I don't like the idea of doing this, but I don't have any other way to come up with the $$ I need.

Please don't lecture me about the whys and hows of how I got to where I am today... I have 2 worthless ex-husbands to thank for that. At least I am doing something positive to give myself a fresh start. Also, any advice as to how the Chapter 13 went for you would be appreciated.

BTW; I earn a salary that is above the median income for my state, so I know I won't qualify for a Chapter 7.

Answer 1

~~You can be behind on all your bills before you file.  The advantage of having an attorney right away is they give a number for you to give the creditors and they can't bother you anymore. I wish the best for you, I know what a tough decision this is for you, so I wish you much financial happiness ahead. An attorney will have to tell you which one to file, it all depends on your debts to credit ratio. Best of luck with it all!~~

Answer 2

Hire an attorney.  Listen to them.  Don't file for bankruptcy yourself or allow a non-attorney, "paralegal" or "law student" to do it for you.