[Info411]

I really need sound dependable advice on some financial issues.

Due to serious depression after losing my job, I left America 6 years ago and have been in Asia teaching English since that time.

1) I have not filed taxes for the last 6 years, and probably owed $3,500 in taxes for contractor work I did just before I left. I never filed.

2) I walked out on a 1 year old $130,000 house and $25,000 truck. I basically just called my truck and house creditors and told them I wasn't going to pay them any more. I mailed the keys to my house to the lender, and someone came and picked up my truck.

3) I also left behind approx $15,000-$20,000 in credit card debt. A few of those were new cards that I ran up after getting them and did not pay anything ever. I never contacted them at all. (The cards I did this to all had under $1000 limit to begin with.)

4) I did not pay any of my utility bills for the last 3 months or so before I left.

5) In addition, I have about $60,000 of Federal Student aid loans I have been in default on.

6) I realize this was highly irresponsible of me and now I want to clean up this mess and return to America. I am planning on filing bankruptcy when I return to hopefully wipe out the house, truck, and credit card debt. (If necessary, I think SOL in Georgia is 4-6 years so maybe I don't need to file bankruptcy? I also have no idea if they sued me or could sue me if I am not there.)

I am unsure what trouble I am in over the taxes and student loan defaults. I also am not sure if the credit card companies can have me arrested for fraud for getting new cards and running them up without ever paying anything.

The reason I am wanting to take care of this is because I am now married with a Thai wife and a child on the way. I need to bring her back to America and I need to get a visa for her and the baby. I do not want to bring her back only for me to get thrown in jail for fraud or tax evasion. I am just wanting to put this behind me and start a new life again for my child.

Can I be thrown in jail? What are the consequences of my irresponsible and stupid behavior?

Thanks for any helpful advice.

Also, if anyone could recommend a lawyer in the Atlanta area that I can talk to online or via email to begin starting to get this mess straightened out please PM me.

[progunr]

Have you considered living in Thailand?

You have some very serious issues here, and the tax issues and student loan will be the biggest to deal with as neither can be dismissed in Bankruptcy.

If you need a referral, I recommend you go to the web site handelonthelaw.com.

There is a big list of lawyers, in many different venues, available to review.

[Info411]

Hi, I appreciate your reply and website info. I will definitely look into it.

To answer your question, yes I have considered living in Thailand and Asia. In my delusional state of mind, the original plan when I "ran away" 6 years ago was to never return to America. But I have come to realize that there is no real future here for me, and staying here for another 50 years is just not very feasible due to immigration issues, retirement, lack of money, cultural and language, etc. It would be a very meager existence at best. At some point I would always have to return to America.

Additionally, I now have a baby on the way and I want what's best for my children. The best opportunities for them would be in America and for me to make sure they don't make the same mistakes I have. I have managed to save up some money working here and have decided the best way to use it is to straighten out my mess and return to America.

I am hoping that the house, truck and credit card issues have simply run out due to the SOL or that I can file bankruptcy and take care of them that way. The taxes I am prepared to pay when I return as long as they haven't added on another $10,000 for late fees, etc. Or if I can negotiate a low monthly payment, etc. The student loan I am prepared to start making payments on again once I return to America, again as long as they haven't added another $20,000 for late fees, etc. and I can work out a fair affordable payment plan.

I am hoping a good lawyer can help me negotiate the issues with the taxes and student loans and get me a fair, reasonable settlement and repayment plans.

The one main thing that would hold me back is if they sued me on my house or car and I am still liable for that $130-$150k. There is no way I could begin to pay for that, student loans, etc. and also try to provide for a family.

Also, I need to make absolutely sure that I would not go to jail for any of this stuff upon my return to America. That is my main concern.

[progunr]

The Europeans came to America because they didn't agree with "debtors prisons" being used there.

The only debt you have that could result in a possible jail term is going to be the Taxes.

I would focus my efforts on that issue first and foremost.

Best of luck to you and your new family.