How do the courts view bonus income

[busbis]

I thought ya'll have answered all my questions, but up pops another one.

We plan on filing a 13 and were working on the budget. My husband receives bonus income, but it is very inconsistant. He's in sales so he does make a regular salary. His YTD in bonus is so far $11,000, but last year it was over $20,000. There are months he might not get anything, but some months it may be a few hundred. He may have 1 or 2 months where its like $2500 or so. My question is how do they figure this bonus income when they want to know our disposable income. Next year it's like to decrease again...but who knows.

[SinkingFast]

Most likely, the bonus monies will be averaged on a per month basis from the previous 6 months.

Based on what you've said about bonus money one year compared to the next,.......... That's like $800-$900/month difference. If you'd filed before, your Plan payments could be that much higher. Meaning you'd really be struggling now.

If bonuses are going down, delaying filing may be better for you. It'll give you a lower monthly average. If you file now, with a higher monthly average, you could be hurting when that bonus money isn't there.

[katze]

I also get a bonus. It is every quarter and ranges from $100-$600. I have to turn them all over to the trustee. I have to make a copy of the check and send it along. Your attorney should know how the trustee in your area handles this.

[doglover]

I also get a bonus. It is every quarter and ranges from $100-$600. I have to turn them all over to the trustee. I have to make a copy of the check and send it along. Your attorney should know how the trustee in your area handles this.

You have to give your trustee all your bonus money???? That dosen't seem right.

[cfneumann]

You have to give your trustee all your bonus money???? That dosen't seem right.

Depends. Out of the last 3 years I have been getting and KEEPING all of my bonus' twice a year.