Chapter 7 help

[blackitalian]

I live in washington state and am considering filing chapter 7. Im filing single and found that the median for my state is $52000. I currently only make $39,000 a year. I have $40,000 in credit card debt. Do I qualify for chapter 7?

[keepmine]

The means test is just step 1 and it's backward looking. You still must fill out schedules I and J which are forward looking to determine if you have enough monthly disposable income to fund a Chapter 13.
Most bk lawyers will give a free or lowcost initial consultation. Speak with a few and see what they say.

[blackitalian]

When I file do I have to provide receipts for all my expenses that I list?

[keepmine]

When I file do I have to provide receipts for all my expenses that I list?

Just depends.
If you have a mortgage then, you use the full amount of the mortgage and utilities. If you rent, you're stuck with local IRS standards.
Instead of responding a question at a time, why not just lay out your situation?

[blackitalian]

Just depends.
If you have a mortgage then, you use the full amount of the mortgage and utilities. If you rent, you're stuck with local IRS standards.
Instead of responding a question at a time, why not just lay out your situation?

I have $40,000 in credit card debt
I make $39,000 a year
My median for a single person in my state (washington) is $52,000
I dont have a mortgage and just rent

[keepmine]

Nobody can tell you where you stand until you fill out schedules I and J. This link may help.

http://www.legalconsumer.com/bankruptcy/means-test/index.php

FYI: You can'y use payments on debt you will discharge as an expense.

Also, if you have a car, you need to know how much equity that Wa. allows you to exempy. If you have any cash, how much can be exempted.
This is where a consultation with a lawyer will help.

[blackitalian]

Based on the test I have -$117 disposable income. So since im filing single do the courts use the standard deductions?

[jleissler]

Check the rule with your local court. But standard exemptions is for single. However if at the end of the means test you have left over income on the table, they will generally push push you into a 13.

[keepsmiling]

Chances are you will be good for a 7. But it depends on what your disposable income is.

There is usually a minimum amount necessary to throw you into a 13. If it doesn't look like you will make it, sometimes it pays to tweak your expenses...anything from lowering your insurance deductibles to buying a car. OTOH, if your rent was outageous, it might not fly with a tt.

Make a couple/three appts with a bk lawyer and feel them out. A good one will explain all of your options.