Culinary School in Sacramento

I am one of the hapless folks who found myself ensnared in the subprime lending fiasco, and am now faced with no other choice than to file a chapter 7. (I am in CA.) I’ve been toying with the idea of a career change, and I have been looking into several culinary arts programs at different schools. I know that I will need financial aid, but I am not sure if that’s going to be possible with a Chapter 7 under my belt. Does anyone know if a Chapter 7 will render me completely unable to obtain any educational assistance? Another thing I am wondering is, I own property (in this case my home) with another person who is not declaring bankruptcy. (My domestic partner.) My atty says that since we have no equity in our home it won’t be used as collateral, especially since we’ve managed to stay current on our payments, but that my creditors can lien her portion of the property for my debts. What does this mean exactly? And is there any way to avoid this? Any help is appreciated!