Many people find bankruptcy a great way out of spiraling debts. Consulting a bankruptcy attorney to find out which bankruptcy chapter suits your condition the best is important. However, people come across the term ‘disposable income’ too often during bankruptcy discussions and are often confused as to what it means. According to bankruptcy lawyers of Los Angeles based firm Recovery Law group, disposable income is the amount of your monthly gross income which remains after all essential bankruptcy expenses are subtracted from it.
Disposable income is important to decide which chapter of bankruptcy you qualify; Chapter 7 to get a discharge of debts or Chapter 13. After claiming deductions, you can use the actual cost of certain expenses. Some of the deductions you are allowed include food and clothing, taxes, housing and utilities, life insurance, transportation costs, involuntary payroll deductions, spousal and child support, healthcare costs, education costs, etc. Determination of disposable income is done using forms which depend on the chapter under which you intend to file bankruptcy.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy requires you to pass a means test. You need to complete the Chapter 7 Means Test Calculation form in this case. You find your disposable monthly income by deducting allowed expenses and multiply the amount by 60 months. In case the figure exceeds the maximum amount allowed (mentioned on the form) then you can’t qualify for the discharge. Also, if your disposable income can pay 25% or more of your unsecured debts like credit card and medical bills and personal loans, you will be able to qualify for this chapter of bankruptcy.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy requires you to file Chapter 13 Calculation of Your Disposable Income form. The monthly disposable income is calculated after deducting expenses. This amount is used to pay off your unsecured nonpriority debts every month for 3 to 5-years as per the repayment plan.
Since every case is different, it is important to find out which chapter of bankruptcy you qualify for. This can be done by consulting with bankruptcy attorneys. In case you would like to discuss your case, call at 888-297-6023.