Foster Care

[Gerred]

I am going thur the process of filing for foster care License. Can I file Bankrupty in Nevada and not hurt me helping the children or being a foster parent. Can the state not let me be a foster parent, if I filed BK ? I have not been approved as of yet for being a foster parent. I have about 3 more weeks of training before my foster file is submitted to the state for my license. thank you for your time. Phyllis

[Falken]

You know, Phyllis, this is the kind of question that you might get better results by coming from the other side.    What I mean is that if you talked to people who are familiar with the foster parent programs and the eligibility process, you could probably get a better idea of how bankruptcy would affect that process than by asking a lawyer that focuses on bankruptcy rather than foster care issues.  I would think that it probably wouldn't hurt you because bankruptcy is a legitimate way for you to make a fresh start.   I would also think that if you had a bankruptcy rather than having bad credit with a massive debt bill you would be better off.  However, I can't say that for sure.  In a sense, a bankruptcy can be a positive for your credit because it eliminates the debt and then you will have more income in relation to the debt - and in terms of credit evaluation, a good debt to income ratio is better than your credit history.  To put it another way, if you have a perfect credit score, if you are not making good money you are not going to be able to get credit anyway.  On the other hand, if all you have on your credit report is the bankruptcy, despite what a creditor says, the way they act is that they will find a way to look past your report to your wallet and you can get the credit you need.   However, I can't say for sure that in your situation it would not be a negative -  I doubt it, but I am just not sure.   I wish I could have been of more help.

If you should determine eventually to file for bankruptcy, I could help you if you wished.   If you were to do a regular chapter 7, I would charge you $200.   There is a filing fee with the court for court fees, but you can sometimes get those fees waived, or you can pay them in installments without having to put any money down when you file.    You are welcome to call me anytime you wish if you would like to talk about this further.  You can call me at night or on the weekends on my cell phone.  915  261-3893        I wish you continued success in your efforts to be a foster parent.