I've been floating 20k in credit card/BNPL debt as a student for the past few years, but this is the first year I've had a salary (40k). I took out a $2500 loan a few months ago to pay on some credit cards, but the balances just sprang back. I also recently put my cat's $1,200 echocardiogram, blood panel, full work-up on a new line of credit, and about $1000 of mixed Affirm/Klarna purchases (pet food, books for school, clothes bought not in excess exactly [ie dress for my sister's wedding and summer atire because I moved to a hot climate, one pair new walking shoes] but probably would be difficult to justify). Finally, about $800 on a Sam's Club card, all food, household necessities, pet food. I don't promise to be a smart spender, but I've been racking up debt in these past few months in anticipation of the summer when I will have very little (I do get a summer stipend but it is less than my ordinary monthly take-home).
I'm certain that bankruptcy is my best option to lose the dead weight of the 20k debt and start saving money for next move and for when my program ends and student loan payments begin (whole other can of worms, but I know these I'm stuck with). I'm leaning toward filing with Upsolve since the case seems fairly straightforward and all lawyers I have talked to require $2,700+ before even filing, and I would not be able to pay that (even with stopping my credit card payments) until September. I would rather do this with a lawyer but it's just not going to be feasible with how my pay works, especially because it is uneven and if I wait until September, I will have a "lump sum" in my bank account that I would need to use as my wild card, leaving little for my other federal deductions.
My question is: would creditors truly challenge these kinds of purchases within a 90-day period, like a loan for credit consolodation, food and pet food items, medical bills for a cat, given the balances are each relatively low for them to chase? I know they technically can be challenged as fraudulent, though the lawyer I consulted with didn't seem concerned. And if so, is the worst that happens these debts being upheld, because honestly I would not mind so much (the cat's medical fees especially), and in fact I was considering voluntarily keeping those to remain in good standing with his cardiologist (specialists are hard to find in my area).
I would appreciate any insight on this; I'm just nervous about what's to come.