What Is a “Means Test” and How Does It Affect Bankruptcy?

 Posted on November 15, 2018 in Bankruptcy

There are not very many requirements when it comes to filing for bankruptcy in the United States. The requirements differ depending on what kind of bankruptcy you are filing for: Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Both types of bankruptcies will affect your finances, but a Chapter 7 bankruptcy forgives all of your debt, while a Chapter 13 bankruptcy creates a repayment plan for three or five years. Because of this, it can be harder to obtain a Chapter 7 bankruptcy because the requirements are a bit more strict. One of the ways it is determined if you are eligible for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is by using a “means test,” which basically determines whether or not you can afford to pay back your debts.

Part One: Calculating Your Income

This part of the means test is basically looking at your income to determine whether or not your household’s income is below your state’s median level. This is accomplished by filling out all of the required forms. The court will look at your total household income and compare it to the median household income for the size of your family. For bankruptcy cases filed in Texas after November 1, 2018, the median income for a family of four people is $81,958. The means test is based on the past six months, but it also takes into consideration recent or upcoming changes, like a job loss.

Part Two: Calculating Your Debt

Next, you will be required to disclose your allowable expenses, which can be things such as rent, groceries, clothing, medical costs, car payments, and other things. The court will look at your income versus your allowable expenses and determine whether or not there is anything left over at the end of the month that could be put toward paying off your debt. You must disclose all of your expenses and the amounts for them, or your case could be dismissed.

What Now?

If you pass the means test, you qualify to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If you fail the means test, you still may be allowed to proceed with a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, but your best option might be a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, which helps you develop a repayment plan to pay back your debts over three to five years.. If you still want to proceed with a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you can wait another six months to see if your financial situation will pass the test.

Get in Touch With a New Braunfels Bankruptcy Attorney

Though DIY is all the rage these days, a bankruptcy is not something that you want to attempt to do yourself. If you are thinking of filing for bankruptcy, you need to contact a skilled Kerrville bankruptcy lawyer. Bankruptcy can be confusing, but the Law Offices of Chance M. McGhee is here to help. Contact us to get help with your entire bankruptcy process. Do not go it alone - call the office today at 210-342-3400 to set up a consultation.

Sources:

https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/finance/bankruptcy-means-test/

https://www.thebalance.com/the-means-test-overcoming-the-presumption-of-abuse-316358