debt occured when bi polar was undiagnosed and untreated

[jow770]

Ioccured alot of debt due to compulsive spending during the period when my bi polar  disorder was undiagnosed and untreated. Is that sufficient reason to get out of paying back that debt?

[RJ233]

You can use the information from the counseling place that you went to.That would have the account numbers, payment amount and balance..
I have seen many have problems beyond their control.Don't worry about the creditors.They count it as a loss and get a write off of some type for their loss.You do what you have to.These things happen all the time and you should not feel guilty about it.It is different when you have no control in the matter than just not caring and have no intention of paying the bills.Even collecting delinquent accounts and handling the legal processes, making the decision to process,my heart has gone out to many.I always treated them with respect because I always thought about how I would want to be treated in those same circumstances.
Make the appointment with the attorney now. Get the info during the time you are waiting, for your protection. If you speak with a creditor in between that time, just say you are working on it and will get back with them using the date the day after you see the attorney.Also, if you can show anything verifying you are unemployed, or can get it, such as where you file for unemployment benefits use it.That should cover what you need. If you have a deed or title to a vehicle, take them also.Keep in touch RJ

[PenelopeAnn]

What I did was called the people I owed. Things like hospital stays were forgiven, but they asked I give money when I could. I explained to creditors, called them and arranged small payments every month. These were expenses I incurred when I didn't have adequate health insurance and had to use my credit cards to pay for my meds and other needs. I got deferments on a student loan and my car payment. To be honest, not trying to get out of it will probably be best for you. Man up. You will feel a sense of responsibility, and personal accountability, and just maybe, in another manic state the memory of consequences might keep your from acting on your impulses. Now, if you are talking about buying a house, cars, boats, huge expenditures then bankruptcy may be the only way. Sell what you can, return what you can.

[cowgirlnerd]

I don't think you will need actual statements - account numbers, etc., estimated balances, etc., but I doubt actual statements.  If you have your debt consolidation paperwork, it will have those, I would think.

I was in banking for 20 years, and it doesn't matter WHY you ask for a statement, they are required to provide it to you.  

THe main thing is to get a case number so they will not be able to contact you.

Hang in there - if we did a poll, I bet there would be a HUGE number of us out there that had gone through it.  

[imsmiley12]

try telling them that you need copies of the bills so you have an accurate representation to settle your affairs...they don't need to know HOW you're going to settle them.  This will lead them to think they will get their money and send you what you need.  A little deceitful, but sometimes ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

[BipolarBear75]

Hi,Thanks for all the information! It doesn't all pertain since I am in Canada but.... I tried a debt consolidation place which I told them that I was bipolar which helped at least in the proposal factor....the creditors accepted the proposal because of it but now I am not working and began defaulting on the debt consolidation payments so now all my creditors are calling me again...now they are pissed. I have not incurred any other debt since even before I consolidated but still....they want their money....

I want to claim bankruptcy but I have a problem and that is I can't find any of the statements of the companies I owe to bring them to a bankruptcy place because of my lack of organization....what do I do? I guess I could call them for it...but will they be accepting of this knowing it is for bankruptcy reasons?

[RJ233]

I worked in finance for years. I handled collections as part of my job as an Assistant Manager. There are a couple of suggestions I have. Call the creditors, talk to them, and explain what has happened. Ask them if there is anything they can do to work out payment arrangements so you can pay your debts to them. Don't avoid them, they will think you just don't plan to pay because you are irresponsible and will proceed to collect by legal means. Security items such as autos, homes, home improvements, furniture you may have to pay full payments. Homes and autos depending on the finance source. If your home loan is VA loan, call the VA, they are in the better position to help on that. If you cannot get your finances under control that way, contact the Consumer Credit Counseling Service. They are a non profit organization, not the advertised ones that you end up paying them, which is an additional debt that you don't need. They will ask for proof of income, and list of debts/payments, etc. and work out a plan including your living expenses. If they can't, they will tell you. They contact the creditors to try to work things out for you. You take the money to them for those creditors, because they are giving their word, this is what we will send if you accept this agreement. They are paid through a deduction of what goes to the creditor and the creditor accepts that when they agree. Thus, you have no additional payment for them to do this for you. You get credited for the total amount of payment agreement.

If those things don't work and you are forced to take bankruptcy, the laws have changed. Now the Court decides how much you pay and you pay to the Court. They in turn send the money to the creditors. That is how the Chapter 7 was changed some time back. There is no complete end of debts, of course to keep home or auto or other items secured by some purchase they can take back. You reaffirm the debts you want to keep, but you must be able to afford it. The Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, I don't know any changes that have been made. You have to go to a lawyer to file Bankruptcy. They will make sure it is filed correctly. When you choose one, try to find one that is up to date, and very knowledgeable and professional. It will go on your credit record, but it is better than being garnisheed 1/4 of your pay, one behind the other. Even if the creditor has the auto back, they will sue for their loss, as well as other secured item creditors, and can be a lot of money involved. The attorney will ask for copies of bills, w-2s, pay stubs, your deed, etc. They have to list everything for the Court. If you leave out anything in your information to the lawyer; lists of creditors, income or anything they ask you for, the creditor can have your Bankruptcy voided. Also, if you charge or purchase one wk and file next wk, or short period of time, it can be considered fraud, that you planned to do it. If you go to CCCS and charge after arrangements or open a new account, the creditors on the plan will no longer accept the arrangement.  Creditors can also garnishee checking and savings, collecting the total amount in it if their balance is that amount or more. The bank will be returning every check you write after the papers hit for non-sufficent funds or freezing the account, costing more money and could get you into a lot of trouble. When a bank gets an attachment to your accounts, they won't pay out any money in it until the date to return to the court which is 90 days later. I hope this
information will help you. RJ

[cowgirlnerd]

Bankruptcy may be you only option with the economy in the state that it is in now, not to mention the stress you are under worrying about it.  Saying that, you need to get help and don't get back in that position again.  If that means paying cash for everything and not having a bank account, asking a trusted friend to manage your funds for you, etc. do not get in that situation again.

Don't be ashamed - a lot of us have that "crazy spending" issues.  It's amazing though when you realize that the "stuff" you bought before and you don't buy now are not anything you miss.  Plus the guilt for buying that stuff after it was over isn't there.

If you have an attorney that you trust, talk to him/her, and lay it all out there.  You need to listen to their advice and PLEASE don't just get an attorney that lives on the bankruptcy fees - get advice from a good attorney that will look at everything you have versus your income.  Most will review your case at no charge until you determine what needs to be done.  You might be able to file a Chapter 13 which allows you to repay your debt over 5 years.  If you are in a state that won't send you to a manic episode, google bankrtupcy under the govt website.  It can give you some guidelines on everything, also.

Chin up - it's going to get better.  

[jimgreg]

yes you will have to pay it back.slow down..since now you no that ur bipolar..GOOD LUCK TOO YOU THOW

[imsmiley12]

If you're asking if the people will forgive the debt 'cause you have a mental illness....the answer is no.  A debt is a debt.  You're either going to have to make arrangements to pay your creditors or try to file bankruptcy.