Means testing is the gatekeeper that can prevent some upper income people from filing chapter 7 bankruptcy here in New Jersey. So when doing the test I look for every possible expense deduction I can to get the client where he needs to be.
In doing that, I have found that there are two expenses people overlook when they have kids that can make the difference in means testing. What are they? Daycare expenses and school costs!
Daycare Expenses
If you have young children you know how expensive daycare can be. Oftentimes it is the reason one spouse does not work; he or she cannot get a job that pays significantly more than daycare costs. Some people are fortunate and have grandparents, friends, neighbors, and the like, that will take on the supervision of their children while they are at work. But those who do not, really feel the pinch.
This expense is often left out, but it is considered a necessary expense, and is included in the means testing calculations. In fact, those expenses can often mean the difference between being able to file a chapter 7 and having to file a chapter 13.
School and Educational Expenses
Another expense that is often overlooked, and for the same reasons, is school expenses. Parents these days are expected to pay for more and more supplies, materials, and equipment for children in public schools (let alone tuition for private schools).
This also helps with means testing, but is capped at a maximum amount per child per month. Anyone preparing to file bankruptcy should consider these expenses carefully and include them in their budgets.
So What Do I Do?
If you live in southern New Jersey, are considering filing bankruptcy, and are worried that you might make too much money to file bankruptcy, please feel free to call me at 856-432-4113 or contact me through this site for a free consultation in my Woodbury office to discuss your case.
If you are looking for more information about bankruptcy, then download my free book,Top Questions People Ask About Filing Bankruptcy in New Jersey.
