Many people getting divorced are in serious financial difficulty and considering a chapter 7 bankruptcy to get a fresh start. Sometimes that difficulty is the very reason for the divorce! But the question that is often raised is, which comes first?
Do I get divorced and then file, or do I file and then get divorced?
Two Reasons to File Bankruptcy After Divorce
Well, as in many things in life, timing can be everything. However, when it comes to bankruptcy and divorce, I seldom see a big advantage to waiting until after the divorce to file, but there are some times when it is the right decision. I see two instances in which waiting could be good, and they are usually in a situation where only one spouse is filing.
Means Testing Issues
Filing bankruptcy means going through a means test analysis to determine whether a chapter 7 is appropriate, or whether you should be in a chapter 13 repayment plan. This involves looking at the household income for the six (6) months prior to the month in which the bankruptcy is filed. However, if your joint income during that period of time is too high, it could interfere with your being able to qualify for a 7.
Under those circumstances, it might be better to wait until after the divorce and after you are no longer living together. The change in household size and household income might create a more favorable situation in means testing. That is, of course, if there are no home equity issues.
Equitable Distribution Could Come Back to Haunt You
At the time you are considering bankruptcy, there may have been a determination or agreement as to the equitable distribution of the marital assets. However, that undropped second shoe could create an issue in a bankruptcy. Let’s say the divorce has not been entered yet, but the Property Settlement Agreement has been signed or an order has been entered.
Under the bankruptcy code, any assets that you stand to receive from that agreement, even if not received at the time of filing, can still be an asset of your “bankrupt estate” (and thus sold by the trustee) if it is received within six (6) months after filing. Who owns what in a divorce can be in flux, and sometimes the timing can be important. It is best that you have a bankruptcy attorney look at this to help you decide when to file.
So What Do I Do?
The best time to file bankruptcy can be an involved strategic issue that needs to be discussed with your divorce lawyer and a bankruptcy attorney. If you live here in the Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Salem or Cumberland County, are getting divorced, have decided to file bankruptcy, and are ready to take action, then call my office a call at 856-432-4113 or contact me through this site to schedule an appointment in my Woodbury office to discuss your options. Each case is different, and you want to be sure that you get the fresh start you need.
Just looking for more information on how bankruptcy may be able to help with your divorce? Then download my free book, Top Questions Divorcing Couples Ask About NJ Bankruptcy. You should also check out my podcast, Bankruptcy Strategies in Divorce, with episodes every month!
Not sure if bankruptcy is right for you? Take the quiz to the right to find out more!
Related Topics
If you liked this information and found it useful, then you might like or need these others:
