Is it OK to get a job?

[Zoomie]

[Genenco]

Well, it depends on what questions the trustee asks.

I know there's a section which asks "Do you expect changes in your finances in the next 12 months?"

If it's above the median, or below, you should answer them truthfully. But if it's below, you're most likely in the clear...Above? That would depend how deep you are maybe...

[bkfiler]

you cant make more then you stated on your for or you have to amend it.

if you have disposable income over $100 then you will most likey be forced into a chapter 13 or dismissed for substantial abuse. silly term i know lol.

those are pretty much the standard lines that are stuck to everywhere.

as far as after, id as an attorney but it seems you are better afterward, escpecially after discharge at that, to get a job with no problem then before without a doubt.

persoanlly, if they were so worried about it i dont have a clue why they dont just make you file a form with teh court every 4 months fllowing you bk. then we would know they cared.

all this seems like a damn game to the court imo. well no all of it but they sit there are keep you guessing isntead of laying it out like a real man.

[Lightning]

If you're able to find a job making more than the median income, then it sounds like filing bankruptcy was probably not a good idea and more of a knee-jerk reaction.

If you've been unemployed for several years, what did you report as income on your forms? You may be broke, but I don't see how you could file bankruptcy with income and expense info if you've had zero income for several years.

[Zoomie]

If you're able to find a job making more than the median income, then it sounds like filing bankruptcy was probably not a good idea and more of a knee-jerk reaction.

If you've been unemployed for several years, what did you report as income on your forms? You may be broke, but I don't see how you could file bankruptcy with income and expense info if you've had zero income for several years.

[quest42]

Read this thread...

http://www.bankruptcyforum.com/t4055-question-in-regards-to-341-and-new-job.html

ESPECIALLY, post #14.

11-02-2005 05:02 PM
Question in regards to 341 and new job...

You are definitely at risk of having your Chapter 7 dismissed or converted to a Chapter 13. If the Trustee finds out that you are working and making more than you were when you filed - you could be screwed!!! It's not true that the only thing that the Trustee can look at is your situation on the date of filing. Often a Trustee will ask if anything has changed since you filed.

My 341 is on this coming Monday and I am uinemployed. Last week I asked my lawyer if it would be OK to look for work after my 341. He told me to wait until my discharge cuz I would be at risk of being converted to a Chapter 13 if, for example, a creditor objected or the US Trustee asked for a deposition or filed an abuse motion. My lawyer also serves as a bankruptcy trustee and has been practicing bankruptcy law for over 30 years - I think you should listen to what he told me.

[AAAArt]

I can empathize with your situation, but Dec. 16th isn't as far away as it seems. Just over 6 weeks. I'd hate for things to go farther south for you because of a matter of weeks.
Most atty's will give you a free consultation. They often don't want to take on existing cases, so you might want to say that you're wondering if you're going to have to re-file under the new law.
Given your debts, I doubt that any job will take you completely out of BK, but a well paying job might push into chap. 13. You know from your own situation tht tomorrow on a job isn't promised, so why push it?
You've been dealing with this since 1991. Now you are getting better physically and emotionally, but trust me that getting better emotionally after all that you have been through is like waking up from a coma. It comes slowly and you cycle through stages.
You may want to start putting out feelers, or apply for seasonal help and then tell the trustee, but inform her/him that it will be ending the end of Dec. That way, the worst that they can do is take a little of your income you make between now and then.
Best wishes. You're doing great. Just be patient for a little while longer. Use the time to do some networking and hone any skills which may have gotten rusty.

[bkfiler]

hang in there zoomie!

things will get better each day for you!

i wish the best for you!

[Zoomie]

Thanks a lot for your answers and your support. It's kind of what I was afraid of. Sure doesn't seem right. One should be able to start to take care of oneself if able without having to worry once bankruptcy is filed and the 341 meeting is over. Nearly all of the info on bandruptcy everywhere seems to assume that only employed people with normal expenses file when we know that job loss is a major reason for filing. My expenses are extremely low because they have to be. I would be thrilled to be able to spend the minimum that the IRS allows!

[quest42]

Don't worry, Zoomie, the albatross will soon be off our necks!

... Nearly all of the info on bandruptcy everywhere seems to assume that only employed people with normal expenses file when we know that job loss is a major reason for filing. My expenses are extremely low because they have to be. I would be thrilled to be able to spend the minimum that the IRS allows!

Yeah, those who write and approve the bankruptcy laws probably never had to face any of these real-life situations, or care about those who have... and really need a fresh-start! Oh well, who said life was fair? Life is hard, and then you die...

• Five job layoffs in 10 years.
• Huge medical expenses with no insurance.
• Economic hardship due to major industry changes.
• Credit card interest rate escalation.
• Loss of assets and economic stability in a divorce.
• Old tax debts from making IRA withdrawals to pay some debts. (That was a very BAD idea...)

Bankruptcy is a two-edged sword, cuts both creditor and debtor... The new system is even harsher and more draconian... I've read that it was written by the creditor's lobby and approved very hastily. We can be thankful we got ours in under the wire, and only had to pay $209 instead of $274 to file! Lightning-rod??

Now, where are the rules and guidelines written that apply AFTER the 341 meeting and discharge? How can you walk the line, if you don't know where the line is?

[quest42]

The rules...

...Now, where are the rules and guidelines written that apply AFTER the 341 meeting and discharge? How can you walk the line, if you don't know where the line is?

I think I have found them... it's over 70 pages! FRBP ::

http://www.law.cornell.edu/rules/frbp/rules.htm

[nature]

Is the albatross Lighting?

[quest42]

No, the albatross is debt, with no way to repay it... sometimes, I can appreciate the variety injected by Lightning's viewpoints... like a whack on the side of the head... celebrate diversity!

[FoolAndHisMoney]

Don't worry, Zoomie, the albatross will soon be off our necks!Yeah, those who write and approve the bankruptcy laws probably never had to face any of these real-life situations, or care about those who have... and really need a fresh-start! Oh well, who said life was fair? Life is hard, and then you die...

• Five job layoffs in 10 years.
• Huge medical expenses with no insurance.
• Economic hardship due to major industry changes.
• Credit card interest rate escalation.
• Loss of assets and economic stability in a divorce.
• Old tax debts from making IRA withdrawals to pay some debts. (That was a very BAD idea...)

Bankruptcy is a two-edged sword, cuts both creditor and debtor... The new system is even harsher and more draconian... I've read that it was written by the creditor's lobby and approved very hastily. We can be thankful we got ours in under the wire, and only had to pay $209 instead of $274 to file! Lightning-rod??

Now, where are the rules and guidelines written that apply AFTER the 341 meeting and discharge? How can you walk the line, if you don't know where the line is?

5 layoffs is a lot. Is there trouble with your industry? I actually changed professions recently to avoid constant layoffs. I know it's easier said then done, but your nerves must be shot as mine were. It's the problem with our dynamic economy, that we must not get to comfortable and constantly market ourselves to changes. It's tough though especially the older you get. Please don't take my reply the wrong way by blaming you for your job losses. I'm just explaining the way it is today. I didn't make the rules up, just have to follow them like everyone else.

Good luck!