Newbie filing chapter 7 (questions)

[andy158]

I met with our lawyer last week and we went over the means test and we qualified just under the wire. Our petition is going to be filed before July. I am surrendering a boat and motorcycle that are half paid off. I am not behind on any payments, even credit cards. Should I stop payments on the items I am going to surrender? If I continue being current on all my unsecured debt will that sway the trustee? I don't want to contact the banks and surrender the vehicles until I am sure I won't end up in chapter13. Due to income changes my hosehold budget is $500.00+ in the red each month. Credit cards have been making up the difference. Does this factor in the trustee's decisions? I am already working two jobs and my wife finally got a full time position with a company she was doing contract work for last year. Our income has dropped by $11,000 (gross taxable income)since last year. I also financially support my mother who is on a fixed income. My income to debt ratio is well over 50%. Are any of these circumstances wieghed by the trustee in determining chapter 7 eligability? I have been studying this forum and have already found answers to many other questions. This a great info source.

[kenshirley]

Yes, don't make anymore payments if you are surrendering items.
No, being current means nothing to the trustee.