Passing the Means Test(and a bunch of other questions)

[OreoScribble]

I want to know if I'm understanding this correctly. If I have income that's higher than the state medium.. I shouldn't have a problem getting a chapter 7? Or will my bills and such be critiqued anyway?

I was unemployed for the first 6 months this year.. was highered at a fast food restaurant(minimum wage($6.55 an hour) in NC) on June first and thus far have only earned $4,544.31 for the year.. which even for the 6 month period should be waaaaaaaaay under the state medium.

I've moved twice this year and have only been in NC since like March but could probably prove residency since June since I have pay stubs from that so wondering what I need to do to qualify for residence.

My Ex-GF is currently filing for bankruptcy as soon as she gets the money for the lawyer which would leave me as the only one on a few accounts. Because I've moved a couple times and haven't had any bills in a bit.. so the only way I can tell what I owe is to look at my credit reports which come up with about 27k credit card debt.

Why I'm worried about asking about bills is I really don't have any at the moment as my moms been letting me stay with her for a bit so I can get back on my feet which has included paying off a lawyer probation officer and a bunch of court fees for a dwi back in Missouri. So I really don't have any cash.. but I'm not paying rent or anything.. but really need to get back on my own feet as soon as possible and once that happens I might look like I have more money available than I really do.

Ummmm also on my ex-gf's property are like 3 old cars in my name that don't run and are broke down. She basically plans on selling them to this dude that shows up every once in awhile making money by selling for scrap metal I assume(I'm not really sure). Do I need to report these cars that I've pretty much abandoned and don't have anything to do with? How much info do I need on them?

So yeah..

#1 Should I have too many issues with Residence?

#2 Should the bills be an issue.. When I see adds for a lawyer it says bring your cc bills in.. should a credit report be enough since the people sending me bills don't even know where I am?

#3 Are my abandoned cars going to be an issue since they're pretty much worthless? I don't even know if my ex still has them..

I really don't have any assets at all.. and have nothing as far as income goes. The most I make is around $250 a week.. but it normally runs around $210.. and sometimes as low as $160 after taxes.. it normally runs around $225 gross a week.. ummm yeah..

Questions? Comments? Querries? And most importantly advice and info on what to expect? Would I have trouble getting a bankruptcy on my own or is a lawyer more wise.. where would I start?

I mean the concensus seems to be that if you have less to lose than a lawyer costs.. then do it yourself.. and I have nothing to lose really.. at least I don't think I do.. but where would I start?

If I get an income tax refund this coming year.. is that going to be a problem? I don't think I'll be over the state medium even with it.. I actually somehow doubt I'll be getting one this year and would probably have made little enough that I wouldn't have to file taxes..

Thanks for any help given, it's much appreciated.

[OreoScribble]

Oh yeah, one more question.. almost forgot..

While in the process of filing.. can one apply for student loans to go back to school? You know the federal insured ones that go with the Fafsa and financial aid? Or would I need to wait another semester when the bankruptcy was over..

[AngelinaCat]

Welcome to the forum. Wow, you have lots of questions, but this one is the one I will answer for now:

"I mean the concensus seems to be that if you have less to lose than a lawyer costs.. then do it yourself.. and I have nothing to lose really.. at least I don't think I do.. but where would I start?"

Start by investing in a downloadable version of the Ch. 7 book that is put out by Nolo Press. (nolopress.com) It is a do it yourself type of manual for handling a Ch.7, that is written in plain English. You can purchase the print or online version for about half what the same book will cost in a retail bookstore. It has the charts for the state and Federal exemptions, and sample of forms to use and why.

You may eventually decide to use the services of an attorney, and having this book as your guide will give you insight as to whether you are being told the truth or not. Yes, lawyers do lie and screw up. Many of the members here, myself and husband included, have been screwed by attorneys. Other members have been very satisfied with their attorneys.

But this is what I recommend for a start. Nolopress always offers a freebie with each online purchase. Take that too, as it is a simple guide to handling simple legal matters.

Good luck to you.

[OreoScribble]

Wow you're quick! Much appreciated.. I will definately look at that.