Settlement, Bankruptcy, Divorce?

What is the name of your state? Arkansas

My husband and I have been married for only 4 years. When I married he had a great deal of debt. I was clear except for about $4,000.

He is retired and lost his business due to congestive heart failure. He is on Social Security.

Last month I have been declared totally disabled. I haven't been able to work since 2002. I answer phones from my home for additional income.

We sold our home in Illinois and moved to Arkansas to be close to relatives and receive medical care for my husband.

We tried to work out arrangements with the creditors over an 8 month period of time. They kept pushing us so much my husband has decided to go bankrupt.

After waiting 14 years for a "settlement", I am now entitled and will be awarded a $50,000 settlement. I have been told if I don't go bankrupt and receive the settlement, the bankruptcy court will take my settlement.

This is a suit that has been going on for 14 YEARS. . .long before I met or knew my husband. If I'm not declaring bankruptcy, can the courts take my money?

I've been told I will need to get divorced to protect the money. Is this true? Isn't there a protection for this?

Thank you so much for your help. By the way, my husband is 68 and I'm 59 years old. We're both sick over this whole thing.