Chapter 13 questions about expenses

[momisery]

I have been reading about tightening you belt and etc.. what do they allow for food, utilties and things like that? My husband is self employed tryingto sell insurance and he "has to have" per his company a internet connection, cell phone that does texting and a GPS. We pay for those services, he will not be able to keep his job if that is not allowed. We also have internet at home for him and me to use but the cheapest we could find. And we have satelite tv, will they allow that? We don't go to movies because hubby can not sit that long. I am so scared over this mess.. any advice would be great. I would prefer the 7, but the paralegal at the attorneys office said we made too much because of our rental income that stopped this month. We have to wait three months too because we used our credit cards recently. We went out west because my father who is 91 was sick. I wanted to be there for his surgery it could be the last time I see him. Plus we used them for living expenses. We have two cars free and clear which is about 13,000.00 of assets that I am afraid they will take? And we need t hem for our jobs. Our house hold is garage sale, so I am not worried about that at all. Help.. please????

[optimistic1]

In this day and age, those expenses will most likely be allowed, especially if they are somewhat required by his employer. You need to make sure that your attorney will fight for you in the event your local trustee is a total A**hole and doesnt allow those type of expenses.

In my district, all of those things are allowed, to a certain extent, (basic cable is ok, cable with hbo showtime etc, your pushing it)

In a chapter 13, they want you to be able to work, so that you can fund the plan.

The satellite TV could be claimed as an entertainment expense, most trustees will allow you so much money per month for things like that.

Your two cars, how did you value them at 13,000?

Your state exemption for vehicles is $3000, double that if you are married and filing jointly. Also, you have a wildcard exemption of $1250 for any type of property, but I am not sure if you can double that as well, and apply it towards the cars. I dont see why you couldn't, it says "any" property.

They will not "take" your cars, ((but)), the amount that exceeds the exemption of your cars, will need to be calculated into your plan, so that creditors would receive as much as they would if you filed a Chapter 7.

Comprende?