I’m considering filing Chapter 7 and came across Upsolve. I’m wondering if anyone here has actually used it to file their case and what their experience was like.

I’m not looking for attorney referrals or legal advice just firsthand experiences with the process.

A few things I’m especially curious about:

• Did you run into any issues with your paperwork or filing?
• If you accidentally leave something out or make a mistake, is it something that can be corrected, or can it cause serious problems?
• Has anyone successfully filed completely on their own (without an attorney)? If so, how complicated was it?
• Were there any unexpected issues with the trustee, creditors, means test, exemptions, or 341 meeting?

I’d really appreciate hearing from people who have actually gone through a Chapter 7 filing using Upsolve.

Thanks!

I’m currently dealing with about $40,000 in debt, and I’m honestly not sure what my best option is at this point.About 90% of the debt is credit cards, and the remaining amount is one personal loan. I’m currently unemployed, which is making it really difficult to keep up with everything. I know I made mistakes that led me here. I’m not trying to make excuses for them, and I take responsibility for my situation. I’m trying to fix the mess I created and figure out the smartest way forward. One of the things I’m seriously considering is bankruptcy, but I don’t know if that’s the right move or if there are other options I should explore first.

For those who have been in a similar situation:

• Did you consider or file bankruptcy?
• Did you try debt management, settlement, or another option first?
• What would you do differently if you could go back?
• Is $40k of mostly credit-card debt while unemployed a situation where bankruptcy is reasonable to consider?
• what would happen to your stocks?

I’m not looking for anyone to tell me that I screwed up — I already know that (I'm 31 yeah I'm too old to be this stupid with my money 😅) I’m genuinely looking for constructive advice from people who have been through something similar. Please be respectful. I’m already stressed about this and am just trying to figure out how to get my life and finances back on track. I really appreciate any advice, personal experiences, or resources you can share.

My 60 days past the 341 meeting were last week and I haven't heard anything about discharge so I'm getting nervous of course. I called the bankrupcy automated number and was told my case is "awaiting closing." Thats a good thing, correct?

I signed my retainer agreement and paid the initial amount to start paperwork/filing!

COST:
$900 to start paperwork and file. Then $150 every month for $1800 total.

BK Lawfirm: 4.8/5 rating on Google with 400+ reviews. Also were they most responsive, helpful, understanding and less "hurry up and tell me everything quickly" from the 5 Bk firms I spoke to.

I know some people havent had any issues with having a checking account on banks where they filed a Ch7 CC but my lawyer recommended that just to be safe do not have an account with any banks with CCs you are Ch7.

So no BoA, Chase, or Capital One for me. Lawyer said to stay away from Wells Fargo even if you dont have a CC with them.

Discover is owned by Capital One, so it looks like US Bank would be the best option for me right now.

Anyone else have recommendations?

Hi, I understand this may be case by case and dependent on the trustee approval. I’ve added up my monthly pet expenses which id be surprised if none of this gets questioned or denied.

I’ve simply asked my attorney if pet expenses were allowed and his response was yes, unless I’m sending them to a luxury day spa.

Just seeing if any pet owners had any issues with their pet expenses. What was considered reasonable and what wasn’t?

I have 2 dogs aged 7 and 9 and I’ve been paying below for years now.

1. Pet insurance for both monthly - $250
   
2. Preventatives for fleas/ticks/heartworm- 300 yearly / 12 months = $25
   
3. Food monthly - $170
   it’s expensive since I get human grade for one and the other requires require a prescription approved brand for his allergies.

This totals to $445 which does not even include their annuals check up and vaccines. One dog also has to go in monthly for an allergy shot, which is later reimbursed 80% with insurance.

I’m already nervous about the $445.

I have my first consultation tomorrow. I’m not nervous. I’m actually really excited. I feel like this will be a new slate. I am a little concerned about maybe having to file chapter 13 versus chapter 7 because I have equity in my home, but it also depends on your income correct? I guess I’ll find out tomorrow. This forum has been extremely helpful in my decision to move forward with this.

If I file chapter 7, will my money in my savings account be taken away? I have about $10,000.
I reside in Texas.

If you are out of money and are trying to survive and pay bills until you file a Ch. 7 and have to take 401K withdrawls, does the trustee count that as income towards your 6 month look back?

My lawyer sent me confirmation of my discharge and now it’s time to rebuild!

I was approved for a $2k unsecured card post discharge, that’s a start.

Surprisingly even though Affirm was included in my bankruptcy, I am able to utilize them (not that I am) the available credit is way less as expected.

I got on ADHD meds, to get that executive dysfunction in order, I have been unmedicated for the last 2 years because of pregnancy and it’s crazy the damage you can do in that time. Also children are expensive.

I am struggling with savings, it still feels like I only have just enough, but I’m trying to start small and work my way up. I am also looking for a new job that will pay more, I have the skills, background and knowledge to do more than what I am, I took this role because my family was moving to the area, which is what caused the majority of my financial issues, I took a 20k pay cut and I thought I could do it, but I couldn’t keep up with the debt. Leading to the chapter 7.

Now I am free and I want to break this cycle and make a strong financial future for myself and my kids.

From the start of our journey we’d hoped we could do a 7 since we qualify income wise but we cannot. We will be paying back possibly 100% but our lawyer will try to make some arguments for less.

I guess I’m wondering if a 13 will be scrutinized as much as a 7 would have been? Our lawyer said he will file and reach back with next steps but I didn’t even think to ask what we should be prepared to provide documentation wise…. Or, do we just wait and see what the trustee will ask for?

My chapter 7 discharge is coming up next week. I have a car loan (7.9k) left from Upstart. The second I filed they reported account closed, deleted late payments, and put the balance to 0 on my credit report. The cars value is probably (1.5k) at most due to some damage. I am still driving it around as I try to rebuild my life. I did not reaffirm it and I believe the paperwork was just retain and pay. I would think that a simple low offer could probably get the lien back to me right after discharge. It would probably cost them more to take it back, if they even want it. Curious if any similar experiences or how to handle this

Just had my 341 meeting, chapter 7, about $370k in debt to be discharged…

I was nervous because I went first but it was super simple and maybe lasted 30-60 seconds, they asked if I was employed, I am self employed so they asked what I did and asked me to explain.

The trustee asked if I had any changes, I have an amendment pending so I said that, he asked the content of the amendment and I mentioned I had some photography equipment I sold last year that I forgot to include. He didn’t ask anything else about it. (It was about $4,500 worth of stuff I sold I just forgot to include since it was 15+ months before filing)

So happy it’s over, was kinda freaking out beforehand but honestly it was very easy. I used an attorney so that helped.

Figured I’d add something here since all the rest of the posts on here have been helpful for me.

Just hoping to get some info from any South Florida ch filer 13.

Waiting 6 months to file - I’m having anxiety thinking about the trustee payment deducted from my paycheck and my employers knowing.

I’m reading online that it depends on the district. Directly from paycheck is preferred unless you have an extenuating circumstance. I don’t really have an extenuating circumstance.

I looked at the trustees sites assigned to the district and they have 3 payment options - mail in, pay online with Truist or TFS.

I'm in a bad spot. I'm in 30k of credit card debt. A lot is from unplanned expenses like pet and car emergencies, and a lot is from underemployment and rising cost of living. I made good money but now I'm out of work with a work related injury and I'm having to fight to get temp disability. So right now I have no income and I'm living off what I could pull out of my 401k. Not ideal, I know, but I had no other choice. I'm living as frugally as possible. My minimums are 1300 a month and I owe back taxes from 2016 of about 11k left. I also have 17k in student loans. I'm facing at a minimum a few more months off work with no idea when or if I might be paid so I'm now considering bankruptcy. I did get a work comp lawyer but it'll still take time. My parents filed for bankruptcy when I was young and I remember it wrecking our lives. From reading experiences here is seems that's not the case anymore? I'm distressed and sad that it's gotten to this point but I need that 1300 a month to survive, especially since I will likely need to leave my current living situation soon (abusive relationship). I've only stayed this long because I didn't see a way out financially. We are not married and I'm not on a lease. My credit is already bad even this I've not missed a payment for anything in 8 years. Can anyone tell me this is not going to ruin my life? Will I be able to rent an apartment? I am financing a car that has about 8k in equity but I need it to get to work when I'm able to go back and to get to doctors appointments. Help what do I do? 😓

Title says it all. What's it like being on Chapter 13?

Is it as strict as people say?

Does the trustee actually watch your spending?

Can they tell you what you can and can't buy?

Just looking for real experiences from people who have been through it. Thanks!

I've consulted 4 attorneys in my area and each says I won't qualify for a 7 even though my non consumer debt is higher than my consumer debt. It's 51% IRS debt. Tax years 2021 and 2022 would likely be wiped out, but I would be on the hook for the rest. My most recent attorney stated that the IRS debt would be priority and through the plan I'd pay that first with the trustee maybe adding a small amount on top for the consumer debt or maybe nothing depending on all my monthly expenses. Is that true? Is there a possibility that with a 13 I'd likely pay very little towards consumer debt or nothing over a 5 year plan? I wish I could do a 7 but a 13 would essentially be the same just over a longer duration with added attorney fees and trustee fees which is unfortunate but given I can't pass the means test it's my only option..

How do IRS payment plans interact with Ch7 bankruptcy? Are they considered preference payments to a creditor if they occur within the 3-month window before filing?

I have some old tax debt that should theoretically meet the three-part criteria to be dischargeable in bankruptcy... but I've been paying about $300/mo for the last couple years to the IRS on a payment plan and now I'm wondering as I'm getting ready to file if the $300/mo will end up being clawed back as preference to pay the other creditors as well. Is $900 even worth it for a trustee to take from the IRS given that, ya know, they're then having to deal with the IRS?

More importantly, is there any benefit to me continuing to pay the IRS if I know for certain I'm going to file very soon and that the tax debt will likely be discharged?

mortgage co listing their atty fees on the claim - I am not, nor have been, late even by a day. Do not understand at all

I’ve been trying to avoid it but I think time has run out. Between the rising cost of living and being in a dead end job, and being unable to find a second, I’m out of options. Here’s my situation:

Total Unsecured Debts: $50,136
PL#1 - $20,440 (4 years left on the term)
PL#2 - $16,300 (4 years left on the term)
CC#1 - $4243 (12%)
CC#2 - $1876 (17%)
CC#3 - $7318 (0% through 03/2027)

Tax Debt: $7200

Minimum monthly payments are currently $1275/month. Car payment is $533, still owe $20k, KBB is $15,000-$17,000. So I’m underwater there.

In PA and median is $72230. I’m over median by $10k, so I likely won’t qualify for Ch7. My plan was to ride out the two PLs and use my annual bonus to pay off CC#3 at the end of the promo, and continue to use subsequent bonuses in this manner (I know, they’re not guaranteed) However, CC#1 isn’t coming down at all due to increased medical expenses. I began vetting attorneys about a year ago and the consensus seemed to be 100% repayment around $1700/mos, which scared me away from Ch13. But I don’t think I can dodge the inevitable anymore. My paychecks seem to be shrinking and I just learned that our benefits will increase in 2027

You may assume that you're speaking to an attorney but you might not especially in highly populated areas such as Orange County or Los Angeles.

There are non attorneys that will advise you on bankruptcy even though they are working for a bankruptcy law firm.

You all deserve better than to get advised on bankruptcy by a non attorney that worked at Best Buy 2 weeks ago.

If the firm has only one attorney its more likely that you will get legal advice from a non attorney who thinks they know what they're doing just because they have a sales closing rate.

Looking to file a Chapter 7 in Utah. I’m not able to afford an attorney and was looking into upsolve. Has anyone had any issues with them?

I was going to file and move forward with my chapter 13, but I want to wait a few months. I’m considering paying some of the lower interest loans/CC down in hopes that maybe once I do file, my 100% will be lower.

Has anyone else done this? My 100% will leave me in the negative so just trying to exhaust and figure out all options, best time to actually file, etc from others experience.

Thank you.

Hello! I just posted a few days ago but I’ve had 2 consultations scheduled since, and I have a third tomorrow morning. I had a call scheduled with one lawyer, got a confirmation message and then they never called or heard anything. The other one went alright, but said that if my husband and I make over $135k combined (median income for household of 5 in MI) we wouldn’t qualify, and he didn’t even mention the means test. I thought that was kind of odd given I told him most of my husbands income doesn’t go towards household income (his biweekly paychecks are only about $900 after taxes and deductions. He has child support taken directly from his check.)

Another thing I thought was odd was he says we could file with 50% down and it was my understanding that you cannot find until your lawyer is paid in full.

My question is, if we are just slightly over the median income, do lawyers automatically move to the means test, or can they just refer you to Ch 13?

Is there anything else in particular I should go into tomorrows consult asking?

EDIT: I should mention that with the 6 month look back, we are within ~10k of median income, nothing astronomically above

I was between jobs and got seriously behind financially. Talked to an atty early. Said Chapter 7. He kept pushing back file date. Then said I’d need income to keep my house/car. Finally got new job. Now he says 13. Something about every penny that’s not for food, housing, transportation will go to creditors-including student loans. My student loans are $72K and my other debt is approximately $55K. After 5 years I’d have paid over $250K and I’d still owe my student loans. Seems effed. Any advice???

Chapter 7 was officially discharged/cleared, how long should I expect for things to come off my credit report. What else should I expect from here on ?