I am on SSDI. Child support stops coming in 08/2012. I can't come up w/$1200 to file bankrupt through a local lawyer. Are there any other options? Should I communicate with the creditors/debt collectors? Will these debts just be discharged after a while or do I have to take action of some sort?

Hello need:

They can't get blood out of a turnip. There's only ONE thing good about being broke, and that is you're judgment proof. Even if they GET judgments against you, they can't collect. I don't know if you plan to buy a house or get credit cards again, so what you DO about this situation in the future will depend on that.

excon

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Originally Posted by excon

Hello need:

They can't get blood out of a turnip. There's only ONE thing good about being broke, and that is you're judgment proof. Even if they GET judgments against you, they can't collect. I dunno if you plan to buy a house or get credit cards again, so what you DO about this situation in the future will depend on that.

excon

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Should I communicate with debt collectors - if so how do I handle it?

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Originally Posted by needhelp100

should I communicate with debt collectors - if so how do I handle it?

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Hello n:

The Fair Credit Reporting Act gives you the right to STOP your collectors from contacting you. All you need to do is write them a letter telling them to NEVER contact you again by phone or mail regarding this debt. Send your letters certified, return receipt requested...

Then they CAN'T contact you, and they'll find out you have NOTHING, so they won't sue you...

excon

First you may check in and see if there is a para legal that can do the forms for you much cheaper (about 200 or 300 dollars) then you just pay the filing fee.

No the debts do not just go away, but if you do not have a bank account that they can attach there is little they can do at this point. The actual debtor may always contact you, but collection agenies can not if you tell them not to. And that is what I would do for now.

I've been able to get pro bono legal help with bankruptcy in exchange for doing some public service work (fortunately I was able to do some writing/web design for a local nonprofit which I could do out of the house).The agreement was 5 hours of pro bono work for every hour of legal help. I have to come up with the $306 filing fees (which I don't have yet but can pay in installments) but don't have to pay anything for the legal help. See if you can get any pro bono or related help in your area.