Household question

[blackitalian]

Im filing chapter 7 soon and I was talking with my lawyer and informing him that my girlfriend and her family live with us. He said I dont have to include them on the paperwork because were not married. But theres a part that asks about people's contributions in the household even if youre not married. He informed me to just leave them out. Has anyone had a similar experience?

[justbroke]

Yes I have, but I did end up marrying her before my (Chapter 13) plan was confirmed. In any event, I listed them as household members, but did not include any income. They did not have any.

However, to the extent that they contribute to your household expenses, you would typically offset the expense. For example, if your rent is $1,100 a month, but your significant other (SO) contributes $500/month, then your rent is actually $600/month on Schedule J. However, if they buy their own food, pay their own cell phone bills, and contribute nothing to your housing costs, then their contribution is $0.

Just work with your attorney. They'll do the right thing!