Side job - cash check?

[btbeme]

I am about 2 months away from filing in the Phoenix district. I am currently doing a side job for some folks and will get paid via personal check. If I were to cash that check rather than deposit it, would that later be visible to the trustee?

I ask because it is a substantial amount ($2900) and, if counted as income, would definitely hit my 6 month income numbers in a bad way.

[BobMango]

If you cash it at the issuing bank and don't deposit that money I think it would be difficult for the trustee to find it if you do not disclose it.

Having said that, I would not advise that course of action. You are best served by being completely honest in your filing. Just being over the median by a thousand or so dollars does not mean that you will be forced into a Chapter 13. The means test has two parts and the results of both will determine whether you are eligible for Chapter 7. Check on this board, there are many that were over the median by large amounts and ended up in a Chapter 7.

Good luck!