Lake County, CA Bankruptcy Law Firms & Lawyers

If the question is whether you may file under Chapter 7, there is a first step 'rule of thumb' which is simple, and a further complex set of calculations which take a bit more effort. First, if your household income is below the median for your size household in your state for the past year, you can file a chapter 7 without objection. The approximate median income for a household of 1 is $43,200; for a household of 2, about $58,500, and more for larger households. If your income is above the applicable median, then you must complete a 'means test,' which applies certain allowances set in some instances by the IRS, and in others by executive agencies in your state. The allowances are not unreasonable, and a good many people with incomes not much above the median can still qualify for ch. 7 Good Luck.

Yes, unless you qualify for some very narrow exceptions that probably don't apply to your situation, unfortunately the course needed to be completed before the case is filed. While the certificate itself can be filed up to 15 days after the case is filed, the date of the completion of the course needed to show completion before the filing date and time. This is why I refuse to file a case until/unless I actually see a copy of the certificate.