It is a common bankruptcy myth that qualifying for bankruptcy is nearly impossible. Changes to the federal bankruptcy code in 2005 added additional hurdles that require certain people to provide additional paperwork proving that they qualify for bankruptcy relief under Chapter 7.
Median Income
If your net income falls below the state median then you automatically qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
As of November 1, 2017, the median household income in Georgia is:
- Household of One: $45,142
- Household of Two: $58,363
- Household of Three: $65,900
- Household of Four: $78,368
- Households of more than four: add $8,400 for each individual in excess of four.
If your net income is above the state median, adjusted for household size, then you must run the Means Test to demonstrate that you qualify for Chapter 7.
Means Test
The means test is a review of your income minus expenses. It determines whether an above-median debtor qualifies for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Having a high income does not preclude you from relief under Chapter 7.
The means test calculation considers your average income over the past 6 months minus “allowable expenses.” Essentially the means tests look at your ability to fund a Chapter 13 bankruptcy repayment plan. The allowable expenses in the means test are calculated based on a mix of your actual expenses and standard pre-determined expenses.
The means test makes qualifying for Chapter 7 bankruptcy more difficult; however, an experienced bankruptcy attorney can help you navigate through the means test and qualify for the debt relief that you deserve.
We’ll Help You Through the Means Test
With the help of the experienced attorneys at The Law Office of Barbara B. Braziel, even people who earn well above the median income for our state can qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
We are here to help you determine if you qualify for bankruptcy, and if so, what bankruptcy chapter will best serve your needs. We offer free consultations to anyone in Savannah, GA and all of the surrounding areas.
Reach out to us by email at info@BrazielLaw.com or call (833) 522-1069.
We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Find out more about Bankruptcy in our guide: All About Bankruptcy.
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