A family member filed for bankruptcy in 2017 unbeknownst to me. I loaned her money in 2019 to buy a rental house; great kid. She was paying and then stopped. I received a judgment for the debt in 2020 and when I went to garnish wages, learned about the bankruptcy. She later added my debt to the bankruptcy in 9/2020. I received a letter recently advising she was being considered for having debts discharged. I filed a proof of claim and have a hearing next month. I am trying to figure out if I need an attorney, what's the process like, is there any info on how to stop the discharge on my unsecured debt? I feel it was gained via fraudulent means, the rental property was put in her husband's name. Now I know why (she was going thru bankruptcy/avoid the irs). I can't really afford an attorney. It's sad that one can file for bankruptcy and leaving others holding their debt. Thanks for any input. --71.15.xx.xxx

It seems like the chapter 7 is being filed. I am wondering if you can't end up buying that rental from the court if you are on a community property state. If you could, then that alone could pay for the attorney --24.101.xxx.xxx

Consult with a BK attorney. Was it a Ch 7 or Ch 13? If Ch 7, I don't know how she would have been able to add any debt to her BK after the filing date. That's why you need to consult with a BK attorney in the state where she filed. A consultation isn't expensive. BK's rules do vary from state to state even though BK itself is Federal. --73.205.xxx.xx

I know the rule is to not do business with friends and family, but it would never occur to me that family would do something like this. --76.178.xxx.xxx

Your family/friends will put the "screws" to you quicker than anyone else. I know. Don't lend money to family/friends!!!! --75.138.xxx.xxx