I am a young 21 yr old female. I have debt in the amount of $12,000-15,000 dollars. At the age of 18, I used credit like it was going out of style. However, no one told me NO. I made the mistake of not paying and now, I have judgements against me, and at the age of 21, I live paycheck to paycheck. I can't even put money into the bank, they will take it. Im sure some of you can relate. However, I will get a lawyer and file bankruptcy eventually. When I save enough money for the lawyer that is. What are my options? Before I file bankruptcy. I live in a home with my boyfriend with semi-ok credit. We eventually would like to get married and own our home. Will my debt jepordize this opportunity? Will my "husband" go down with me? Even if I made the debt before we were married? PLEASE HELP. I was young and nieve, now I'm trying to be responsible and finacially stable (HOPEFULLY) Any suggestions? Thanks! :(

For starters, you will be filing the bankruptcy as an individual, not jointly, so your future husband will not go down with you. However, if and when you two decide to try and purchase a home, the bankruptcy on your credit may throw some kinks in the process if you intend to be on the mortgage. If the loan does go through in both names, your husbands credit will not be effected due to your bankruptcy.