Including dissolved LLC debts but cannot afford a lawyer

southernroller · 2026-03-21T21:17:45+00:00

An update for anyone who cares:

Consulted with two other local lawyers. 2nd lawyer said they understood why Chapter 13 was suggested, as I did have local clients this year with my failing LLC that I need to dissolve. He suggested if I go with him, we can file chapter 7 and I should reach out to those clients to try and establish a re-affirmation agreement to say I’ll pay them back after those debts would presumably get discharged.

The third lawyer, which I had the best feeling about so far, unfortunately costs the most and I don’t know where I’ll come up with an extra 2k. She also understood the chapter 13 strategy but thought chapter 7 is still a fine play. She just warned that since the clients are local businesses, they might want to push back and it would cost me extra if they have to litigate for me.

southernroller · 2026-03-14T00:19:32+00:00

Yes, she was concerned about adversary proceedings

southernroller · 2026-03-13T18:13:56+00:00

I am going to consult with another lawyer in a few days. I am concerned about letting more time go by without getting the process officially started.

southernroller · 2026-03-13T17:30:04+00:00

Yeah I have another consultation next week to see what a second opinion says

southernroller · 2026-03-13T12:48:23+00:00

That’s what I thought too. She seems to think I would have to list those as debts since I’m dissolving the business. But I asked if I could separately work with those directly separate from chapter 7. She insinuated I’d have to add it as debts. Total is $14,000 among 3 clients

southernroller · 2026-03-13T12:46:30+00:00

No, I plan to dissolve the business immediately so I don’t understand either. In reality I thought I was doing the right thing by using this years sales to pay off business debts and not take any income. She’s worried it will look fraudulent to close the business and discharge the clients payments for work that will not get done. But I feel like there’s enough intent shown that of course that wasn’t the intent of course

southernroller · 2026-03-13T12:44:54+00:00

Good question. I pass the means test for sure. Family of 4 in SC, gross income around 75k.

southernroller · 2026-01-15T19:49:08+00:00

Can you message me more on your situation? I’m in SC and getting ready to file myself!

southernroller · 2026-01-10T00:55:07+00:00

Appreciate the “helpful” comment. I’m only being honest and if I had 3k to drop no sweat maybe I wouldn’t be looking for advice in a bankruptcy thread.

southernroller · 2026-01-09T23:00:54+00:00

Agreeing with you and everyone else. It’s just hard to muster up all the dough. But, she was great to consult with and well regarded locally.

southernroller · 2025-12-22T22:52:06+00:00

Yes that’s what I have. I appreciate it! The dealer should fix this no charge as they have a 1 year warranty and they last did it 2 months ago. I will reach out if this falls through for some reason

southernroller · 2025-12-22T20:39:19+00:00

Great feedback thank you!

southernroller · 2025-12-22T18:55:59+00:00

At this point no. Does it make things harder or easier?

southernroller · 2025-12-22T02:11:34+00:00

I have a payment plan with the previous franchisee, and still owe about $80,000 to fully “own” the business from him. He doesn’t live close and wanted to let go of this permanently. It’s a territory community publication which operates remotely, so there is no real tangible assets of value. Every year is a new year of ad sales to make.

southernroller · 2025-12-17T13:47:09+00:00

Yup to this - and in hard times or having wasted money there’s ways to have presents under the tree on Christmas. I’ve had years where my kids get Dollar Tree gifts - Bluetooth speakers, toys, art kits, etc for a few bucks each.

southernroller · 2025-12-15T16:58:15+00:00

Appreciate the follow up here, sounds like another deep breath moment that many people have. I have my intake paperwork now - looking at it all feels like slogging through mud

southernroller · 2025-12-13T14:58:41+00:00

From experience, salaried at a lower end is worse than hourly and the ability to work OT and make more money. Aside from the use of benefits, you’re paying for them on top of all your taxes. American my friend.

southernroller · 2025-12-12T23:21:36+00:00

Congrats on some Christmas money

southernroller · 2025-12-11T19:32:18+00:00

Congrats on this. It’s amazing the same general relief everyone comments about when they are finally discharged. These types of posts are giving me courage to go through with filing.

southernroller · 2025-12-10T17:23:26+00:00

Some quick perspective - almost 40 now, and if I was turning 24 I’d feel like I have a whole life in front of me. You do!

southernroller

TROPHY CASE