Chapter 7 means test...way off from lawyer

[bullylvr]

I have a question that I am completely confused by. I have gone on line and have completed the means test calculator and it states that I am well within the means to file chapter 7, however, after visiting the attorney today she said I make too much income? Can anyone shed some light on this for me? How could both be so far off if they use similar calculators. She also said I only qualified for chapter 13...

Thank you!!

[scorpion35]

I have a question that I am completely confused by. I have gone on line and have completed the means test calculator and it states that I am well within the means to file chapter 7, however, after visiting the attorney today she said I make too much income? Can anyone shed some light on this for me? How could both be so far off if they use similar calculators. She also said I only qualified for chapter 13...

Thank you!!

can u post your income,household size and monthly expenses?

[free2breathe]

Washington State median income requirements for family of 1 = $49,124, family of 2 = $62,204, family of 3 = $71,354, and family of 4 = $81,269

You must be below the median income in your state for the family size to qualify for chapter 7 without completing the entire means test. If you are above the income, then your expenses come into play and you must complete the entire means test.

[jam]

Same here i called a layer today for a chp 7 i gross 38000 per year my wife has been out of work since nov of last year she was making 19000 a year they want her income from july of last year tru dec i told this secretary that by the time we file in a couple of months her incom for the last 6 months would be 700.00 1 halve a monthes pay im sure it takes at least 3 monthes to see attorny pay him for a couple of months and get paper work done i was under the impresion it was 6 months back from filing date not last years income

[bellows321]

It is income for the six months prior to filing. Keep looking for a different lawyer.

[jam]

Thanks for the reply it was not the lawyer it was a lady that says she has to qualify me to get an appointment with him this is the second time i went thru this with her i spoke with her 4 monthes back she said to call back 2 monthes after wifes income was gone so thats the call back now this line from her wonder if this attorny has any idea shes loosing him clients thanks for replie

[tcreegan]

Hi all,

jam, run away...it sounds bad now, it isn't likely to get better later. Gotta shop around for BK attorneys, after reading many posts of people unhappy with their attorney I compiled a list of the major problems. Schedule some consultations and ask about these:

Communication: phone/email/face-to-face, secretary/paralegal/attorney, turnaround time on responses
Organizaton/work ethic: dot all i's, cross all t's or 'good enough,' document filed ASAP or 'before the deadline'
Competence: know the local trustees, judges, filed cases like yours, up-to-date on relevant court rulings
Retainer/Fee: exactly what is covered, what is extra, what to expect as 'extra'

Keep looking until you find a "good fit" ...some you are comfortable and confident in


bullylvr (and jam)...for the definitive word on the means-test, get a copy of the real thing and fill it out.

Go here and print out form B-22A http://www.uscourts.gov/FormsAndFees...ptcyForms.aspx

Go here for information on filling it out http://www.justice.gov/ust/eo/bapcpa...ne_by_line.pdf

Go here for the info needed to fill it out http://www.justice.gov/ust/eo/bapcpa...anstesting.htm

Post questions if you run into trouble, lots of people here glad to help!

Tom in Colo