Food listed as a person exemption?

[peppylady]

filed chapter 7 used a non-paralegal. I don't think she was very good. She put food down on my petition as a personal item. $200.00. I am over on my personal items. It is funny now all the food has been eaten. We had just gone to the grocery store when she came to my home to write up the BK. All my personal exemptions she went way over on and I was not aware of it. Can I amend or will they think I am cheating or lying? What about the food? I think it is rather funny. How do you give up food to the trustee?

[AngelinaCatHub]

Food, blankets, dishes and the such are exempt. In other words, things that you must have just to live are exempt. Luxury things like TVs expensive items you can do without are personal items. Yes you can amend your papers. Investigate downloading the Chapter 7 book from NOLO.com for about 17 bucks in pdf form, or print. If you buy from a retail bookstore it'll be aroungd $30.00. 'Hub

[Flamingo]

When you utilize a "filing service" to file your bankruptcy, you have no representation when there is an error. It is always best to consult with an attorney prior to filing and to utilize an attorney.

[AngelinaCat]

At the very least, if you cannot afford an attorney, do yourself a favor and go to nolopress.com and purchase their C7 book. It is written in plain understandable English. It comes in a downloadble PDF version as well as a print version. When buying from the website, the price is about 1/2 what a retail bookstore sells it for. Also if a freebie is offered, take that too.

You need to start reading this, as well as this forum and become informed. For all intents and purposes, when using a filing service, you have filed pro se, and need to be able to justify your paperwork to the trustee at the 341 should that be required.

BTW the state and Federal exemptions for each state are included in the book, and several states DO allow an exemption for having a 60 day supply of food on hand.

Good luck to you.

[JRScott]

You will need to amend.

The best thing to do is use PACER and look at two or three cases, get a feel for what is allowed in your area. But be careful not to run up to high a PACER bill.

Then adjust your schedules best you can to fit these amounts and amend with the court.

[peppylady]

Is a Stove and Refrigerator exempt in Chapter 7?

Is a Refrigerator and stove exempt also? I feel they are important to sustain life. I know a dishwasher isn't.

[lrprn]

Is a Refrigerator and stove exempt also? I feel they are important to sustain life. I know a dishwasher isn't.

ALL of your appliances are included in your Household Goods figure. You won't lose your dishwasher.

You've already gotten some good advice to learn more about bankruptcy any way you can - the Nolo book on Ch 7 is a good start - here's the link - http://www.nolo.com/product.cfm/obje...D0792C01A/213/

You are already making assumptions that are going to cost you dearly if you amend your forms without doing a lot of homework first to understand how Ch 7 bankruptcy works and how to amend a pro se (without an attorney) bankruptcy case.

And if even if you can't afford an attorney, PLEASE set up 3-4 free initial appointments with experienced bk lawyers in your area as quickly as possible. Although they don't like to take a case that's already messed up, some may understand and want to help you. Also some local bk courts have special people on staff (including bk lawyers) to help pro se filers - call your local bk court and find out what they might have available to help you dig out of this deep hole you've dug for yourself.