Relative living with us

[basketsbears]

Hi,

My sister moved in with us until she finds a place to live. We are hoping to file next month, do we have to include her income if she is still here when we file?

Thanks!

Lynn

[Tater]

I wish I could answer your question for you. Have you asked your attorney about it?

[AngelinaCat]

Normally you would include the incomes of everyone living in your household. However, I am not sure about how to handle a 'guest' that is visiting for a while. That sounds like what your sister is doing. Does your sister contribute anything to running and maintaining the household while she is there? Or is she saving up for the rental on the new place?

[tobee43]

as angelinacat points out, i'm not really certain how one would handle a guest. i know i wouldn't mention it at all as it's just a guest and not a tenant paying rent. you have a right to have guests in your home or family members staying with you. shoot my mom is here with us but pays nothing, if i were filing i would count her as another expense!! LOL!!

[bcohen]

I wouldn't mention it at all, unless she is actually paying you rent. If not, then she is merely a guest, and your home is not her legal residence. Also, I cannot imagine any scenario in which a bankruptcy judge or trustee could find out about a guest who is staying with you and not paying rent, if you don't mention it in your filing.

[tobee43]

I wouldn't mention it at all, unless she is actually paying you rent. If not, then she is merely a guest, and your home is not her legal residence. Also, I cannot imagine any scenario in which a bankruptcy judge or trustee could find out about a guest who is staying with you and not paying rent, if you don't mention it in your filing.

exactly.

special note to just me...geesh i wore my "C" out...wonder why?

[basketsbears]

OK sounds good. Yes, she is staying here so she can save up for her rent. She did change her address here temporarily, but is looking for places.

Thanks!

[LadyInTheRed]

Don't try to hide anything, even if it is unlikely anyone will find out. Tell your attorney that your sister is staying with you and let him advise you whether that should be disclosed on your petition in any manner. You should mention to your attorney everything that could possibly be relevant to your bankruptcy. Part of what you pay your attorney for is to advise you what is and isn't required to be included in your petition. Error on the side of telling your attorney what he/she doesn't need to know.

[tobee43]

you have two different opinions...you know what they say about those do what YOU feel is the right thing. something YOU can live with.

you will do the right thing i'm certain of it. for me, unless someone was paying me, i wouldn't say a word, but if there was regular income such as a contract verbally or written then i would. ONLY then.

[basketsbears]

Hi,

I had emailed my attorney recently to see what she needs, etc, to update our file before we file next month and I did mention it to her. She didn't say anything one way or another anything about it, except for us not to co sign a lease for her because we would do more harm than good (my employer has many rental discounts).

She should be moved out before we file, but just want to do the right thing.

Thanks!

[Tater]

Hi basketbears,

I'm glad every thing is going to work out for you. It sounds like we might be filing around the same time. Good luck to you!

[tobee43]

that's good news! i know when are actually experiencing the "process" we want to be careful not to do anything that can come back and bite us later. it's always better to be safe than sorry. something we just feel like someone is watching every move and breathing down our backs.