Checking account - Overdraft debt of $4,500

[Redwing]

Guys,....I'm new to this forum, but I've been surfing around and getting some really great advice & answers. So thank you in advance!

Wife & I are both filing BK-7, and have a joint checking account that we're both using. I have a $4,500 overdraft unsecured debt that will obviously be included. I have been unemployed since Jan/09, and have been on unemployment since then. This is the account where we pay all our bills (when we can), and where my unemployment check is direct deposited. My VA disability check goes into this account too. My question is this:

After we file (in 2-weeks) can they "garnish" funds from our joint checking account, and/or close the account?

[Chowder]

Don't know if your unemployment check is exempt or not, but I'm pretty sure you VA check is. Any exempt payments made to you must be in their own account where the funds are not intermingled with non-exempt assets.

[Tbornetun]

If the checking account is at the same bank as the $4500 overdraft, it is time to get a new bank. Set up a new bank account at a bank you don't owe money to prior to filing and change your direct deposits to the new account.