Im in Michigan, and hired a bk lawyer on 8-18. I file on 12-1-08 too (chapt 7).
I am in no way giving you legal advice - I want to make that clear. I will share what my lawyer told me.
Im surrendering my house, vehicle, and boat. Not to mention 4 credit cards, and medical bills.
He said do NOT make payments on anything. If I do, it could be considered preferential. I assume he meant that when I file, they will see I made $xxxx.xx payment on so and so, and say "why didnt you pay xx credit card with that money?" Im not sure, but Im guessing. They did tell me that since I am surrendering the house, vehicle, and boat, NOT to make payments on it because at this point I'd be throwing my money away seeing that Im just giving those items back to the bank.
Again, Im as new to this as you are and am just relaying what my lawyer told me. Good luck and try not to stress out too much. I am finding out everyday that people all over the place are in the same situation.

