How soon after filing can I start earning a living?

[onthebrink]

In a Ch. 7 if you start earning income after the 341 meeting, can you keep this or do you have to wait until the case is discharged? Currently unemployed and no immediate prospects but want to know if I get a job, temp work or a consulting project between the 341 meeting and the discharge will I have to report this to the trustee and can they take whatever I earned and give it to the creditors? I am particularly concerned if time between 341 meeting and discharge gets delayed.

Thanks!

[BobMango]

Your case is a snapshot on the day you file. What happens after that in terms of job, income, spending, etc is up to you. Of course you can not dispose of any assets until the trustee give you permission, but any money you make is yours to spend. There are certain things that do matter, such as inheritance or lottery winnings that must be reported, but generally income from a job or consulting work would not meet this test.

At your 341 the trustee will ask if your situation has changed since filing, but their reaction to telling them you found a job is usually "congratulations".

Bottom line is that once you get the report of no distribution from the trustee (generally within 10 days following 341, often same or next day) they are pretty much done with you. You do not need to report your income to the trustee after your 341.

Good Luck!

[onthebrink]

Thanks, BM!