possible job change and more income questions

[road warrior]

My wife is considering a new job. She hasn't been officially offered this job, but it seems very promising. If she gets it, she'll bring home around $600 more than she makes right now.

We filed for 13 1/07/08, and our payments have already been set at $1086 monthly for 60 months. Our 341 is set for 2/21. I don't foresee her knowing about the new job before that date.

Do we need to tell the lawyer or trustee IF she changes jobs?? The extra money would sure be nice to have for a while since we are trying to do some work on our house.

Anybody have any words of wisdom for me??!!

[kmb]

We were told that we have to notify the trustee of any changes in address but not employment. However if you have to provide them with your tax returns each year, chances are they will notice the increase in income and could modify your plan to make you pay more. From what I've read, it sounds like each state is different when it comes to the tax returns, so maybe you'll luck out!

[Flamingo]

I would highly suggest that if your wife does take this job and there is an increase in your total income that when she does accept the job to contact your attorney and advise him of the income increase. To refrain from doing so could result in the dismissal of your Chapter 13.

[lrprn]

Your attorney should be informed. I'd follow his/her advice about whether your trustee has to be informed immediately or not.

Is the $600 increase every month or over the year?

Regardless, ikeep in mind your trustee will eventually see the increase when you provide your attorney with your tax returns and they are sent on to the trustee. Whether the trustee will care about the increase depends on the amount of the increase and the customs in your local bk court.

Most Ch 13 trustees use a permanent increase of 10% in gross income at one time as sufficient to try to increase your monthly payment. Only your attorney will know for sure how you should proceed in this situation.