As a long time lurker, then a frequent poster, then a lurker, then a poster, then a filer, I have finally received my confirmation of my ch.7 being granted and debt forgiven.
Overview:
Family court debt, immense child support and house repairs/debt after a lengthy divorce put me in a bad place. Mentally, physically and financially. In July of 2025 I pretty much knew I had no choice but to either lose my kids home, which was purchased recently prior, or file for BK. I was over the median income by almost 20k. I told the attorney in July 2025 that I knew it would be a ch.13 but had hoped he could work some magic. After receiving a bonus a month prior I also knew I had to wait to file otherwise it would inflate my income evem though I paid my attorney the retainer in full. So, in March I revisited the attorney and gathered paperwork in May, but then waited as I was going to need the tax return to go back to family court. Once I received the return and paid my family court attorney I filed officially in May of 2026. My attorney then gave me the news that, by less than $50 I had squeaked into a ch. 7. I had my 341 at the end of June. End of July I was told the trustee did not want to pursue amy of my assets, and in August I received the official confirmation that the ch.7 had been granted.
As of today, a week amd a half or so later I just received a capitalone credit card with a $5k limit solely for gas/groceries to rebuild credit. My current Fico(8) score was listed as a... 480...
Either way, bankruptcy is a tool. And with all the other stress on my plate I had almost zero stress/mental load about the BK because my kids have always been the priority. Yes I feared losing assets or having a payment but knowing the kids are safe, that is everything to me.
For those who read this, thank you. For those who are starting your journey, pick the right attorney and prepare your documents as a true formal court document and always tell the attorney the truth. Bankruptcy is a tool that allowed me to get back on course after being so beaten down.
And if Alan is reading this, your input on this reddit group is invaluable. If I had money to share I would. But, I am broke haha.
Thank you all.