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Defaulting on Credit Cards?

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suziedebtridden

Junior Member
What is the name of your state? Indiana

I have about 90k in credit card debt. I assumed much of this debt because I tried to start my own company - however the debt is in my own name. I am a contract computer programmer who has had a hard time staying employed. In the last year - the job market has gotten very bad. I have had to take short-term contracts in different cities and live in hotels to stay employed, which caused me to become severely depressed. For over a year I did not have an apartment of my own. I sent my mail to my Mother's and lived in hotels. My second to last contract was in my mother's hometown, and I got a $500/mo apt. However, this job only lasted 3 months, and I was back to living in hotels. With all of the travel expenses, and the rent, I was not able to make ends meet. So, I quit, came home, and I have been working low wage temp jobs in town. I have barely had enough for rent and food, so I closed all of my credit card accounts, and I have not made payments in two months. They call constantly.

I have read if you only have credit card debt - it is sometimes better not to declare bankruptcy. However, I have a 1996 seabring convertible, a lot of CDs, two nice recliners which are about 4 years old. My question is, will the sheriff come and take my car and all of my stuff if I default on my credit cards. I owe:
American Express - over 40k
Citibank - over 17k
MBNA - over 13k
Sears Mastercard - over 10k
Bank of America - over 8k?
 


kopes

Member
I have talked to a lawyer about possibly filing for bankruptcy and all I have is credit card debt, about 29K worth. If you have 90K of debt and work a low paying temp job, I would think bankruptcy is a very good option for you. I was told by my lawyer that my car is exempt and my belongings are not worth enough for anybody to take. I have a house full of furniture, CDs, DVDs, appliances, etc. and it is all safe if I declare bankruptcy. They value stuff by garage sale value and they would not get enough for it in a sherriff's sale. Lawyers will give you a free consultation.

If you default, they can sue and get a judgement against you. They may not be able to get anything now, but the judgement stays in effect and they can get stuff in the future if your circumstances change. Up to 10 years I believe.
 

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