Hello Pearlene: Thank you for sharing and reaching out. Jen and Jane both gave you some great options to look into. One small point that I wanted to raise as you move forward because you mentioned that debt has piled up recently: If you have a lot of debt and are finding it difficult or unmanageable, please consider consulting with a consumer debt attorney. I'm sure you have a lot on your plate at the moment, but if you can carve out an hour of your time to meet with one in your area, it could be a gamechanger. Attorneys who practice this area of law usually provide free consultations, so there should not be a cost outlay for you upfront.
There are tools and techniques that consumer debt attorneys can use to preserve your assets and help you ensure that are paying your debts in the most efficient way. My husband is a board-certified bankruptcy attorney and talks to people whose lives have been impacted by a medical crisis or caregiving duties every day. Many times, he can help them with a plan of action (for example, making sure they keep protected assets, like a homestead or certain retirement accounts, from the reach of creditors). I've learned so much from his experiences at work and his expertise definitely helped us make good decisions when we were faced with our own caregiver and medical debts. My hope is that you can get this kind of counsel if the debts are getting out of hand.
If you need assistance locating an attorney in your area, your state's bar association's website is a good place to start. Many state bars have referral services. You may also have a bar association in your county or city that can direct you to local attorneys.
Pearlene, keep us posted with your progress. I'm wishing your husband and you the best of luck.
Amanda
Amanda Singleton
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