Could you critique my Schedules I & J?

[mb10240]

Only possible issue I see is the charitable contribution. Do you both have a documented history of tithing?

We donate mostly at church, so that's generally cash -- there is the occasional check or too. My wife donates to the local Humane Society whenever she can, and those donations are documented (but that's not the majority of the $75/mo.)

If the trustee pushes back on the continuing legal education and the charitable expenses, you would get close to being in the range for a chap 13. Do you have other insurance expenses or other non-optional expenses such as fuel, medical (including over the counter items, glasses, etc), dues and fees, that could replace the legal education and the charitable contributions? I think you will be able to find other legitimate expenses to replace those and be fine.

I would really hope the trustee wouldn't push back on CLEs -- they're required to maintain my license (and hopefully future livelihood as an attorney once the legal services market improves). Granted, the trustee could argue that I could just suspend my law license until I find employment, and perhaps suggest that if I find employment, bigger firms pay for CLEs. These buggers are expensive - generally anywhere from $80-300 for a 2 hour course, and you need 14 hours a year!

[backtoschool]

Only possible issue I see is the charitable contribution. Do you both have a documented history of tithing? You will need proof that you have contributed $75 a month to charity for the last several years. That isn't enough to kick you into a chap 13 though, even if removed, so I think the US trustee won't care about it.

If the trustee pushes back on the continuing legal education and the charitable expenses, you would get close to being in the range for a chap 13. Do you have other insurance expenses or other non-optional expenses such as fuel, medical (including over the counter items, glasses, etc), dues and fees, that could replace the legal education and the charitable contributions? I think you will be able to find other legitimate expenses to replace those and be fine.

[mb10240]

I've just finished a draft schedules I and J for myself and would love to hear your comments and suggestions... Schedule I should be fine, so concentrate on J! If a line number isn't listed, then it's "0".

Keep in mind, Spouse is not filing.

Schedule I:
1. Monthly gross income: Myself: 0, Spouse: 4250.00
3. Subtotal: Me: 0, Spouse: 4250.00
4a. Less payroll taxes and SS: Spouse: 937.02
4b. Insurance: Spouse: 83.68
4d. Other - Supplemental Life Insurance for Debtor: Spouse: 5.63
5. Subtotal on Payroll Deductions: Spouse: 1026.33
6. Total Net Monthly Take Home Pay: Spouse $3223.67

16. Combined Average Monthly Income: $3223.67

Schedule J:
Debtor's:
2c. Telephone: 58.00 (this includes DSL)
3d. Other utilities: Cell phone service: 75.00
Television service w/ DirecTV: 83.67
Trash collection: 15.72
Total Other Utilities: 174.39

3. Home maintenance: $0.00
4. Food: $250
5. Clothing: $30.00
6. Laundry & dry cleaning: $15.00
7. Medical & dental expenses: $25.00
8. Transportation: $42.50
9. Recreation: $50
10. Charitable donations: $0
11c. Health insurance: $140
11d. Auto insurance: $52.50
13a. Auto payment: $289.19
17. Other expenses:
Monthly haircut - 20.00
Continuing Legal Education - 105.00
Missouri Bar dues (due yearly, divided total by 12): 17.00
Pet care (for my animals): 50.00
Local bar association dues: $6.67
Total Other: $198.67
Average monthly expenses: $1325.25

Non-Filing Spouse:
1. Rent/Mortgage: $758.04 (taxes & property ins. included)
2a. Electricity: $150.00
2b. Water / sewer: $30.00
2d. Other: Cell Phone Service: $63.00
3. Home maintenance: $160
4. Food: $250
5. Clothing: $30.00
6. Laundry & dry cleaning: $20
7. Medical / dental: $25
8. Transportation: $127.50
9. Recreation: $50
10. Charitable contributions: $75.00
11d. Auto insurance: $35.83
17. Other expenses:
HOA dues: $2
Pet care (for spouse's pets): $50.00
Hair cut & waxing: $75.00
Total: $127
Average Monthly Expenses: $1901.37

Best Case shows a Monthly Income of $3223.67, monthly expense of $3226.62.

Mods: feel free to move this into the Pro Se / Pro Per forum if you feel it to be more relevant.