Pre-file planning

[catpatch515]

These forums have been extremely helpful and I am hoping someone will take the time to listen to our situation and give us there advise.

My husband just had to quit his job (self-employed) due to a bad back injury that will require surgery. He will never be able to do heavy lifting again. We will have to wait about 4 months to file so that we meet the income qualifications. We currently do not qualify (took the NOLO means test online)
My first question is, if our family members help us at all with utilities, etc, will we need to claim that as income?
Will our last 6 months bank statements be examined with a fine tooth comb? Ex: If we spent $40 at petsmart or $30 at the gas station, will be be required to show receipts for everything?
How soon can wage garnishments for myself take place? If we don't file for 4 months and our credit cards are all 4-5 months past due, is this enough time?

Thanks for the advise!

Sara

[oregonpilot]

Welcome catpatch...you have definitelly come to the right place.
this has been my mental saviour and friend.
I am also self-employed and i provided Income & Expense reports to my trustee. I filed in August and trustee asked for reports from the beginning of the yr. I cross referenced my bankstatements with deposits that i made from customers on my I & E reports.
He never questioned any of the small checks that i had written. Did keep all the receipts in envelopes for everything. Even where i had taken withdrawals for cash for gas for van. Explained on my bankstatements where that money went. Probably went over board but i wanted to be safe rather than sorry. He never asked or any of thoses receipts.
Good luck and we are all here to help you.
Not sure about family help considered as income. Many on here will be able to help with that.
When i filed my BF wanted to help with my expenses and attorney told me that if BF paid directly to attorney it wasn't going to be a problem.
I think if family pays utilities for you and not paid directly to you its not a problem.
I stopped paying my cc's in march and april and filed end of august ..i didn't have any problems with cc's. At that point just a few cards went to cc agencies. It is different for everyone though. Some here have gone years with any collections and some 6 months.