Chapter 13 bankruptcy laws have been changed to require more tests, which make qualification for filing more difficult than it was before. Of primary importance is the new disposable income test. Debtors must have regular income to qualify, and must propose a three- or five-year plan and show an ability to pay to the plan for the entire time. Under the old laws, judges were allowed to determine the reasonableness of living expenses according to individual circumstances and historical data. The new Chapter 13 bankruptcy laws require the judge to calculate disposable income based on a single standard for an approved budget for all people with no allowance for special needs, disabilities, incapacities, or costs of commuting.
Apparently, it was abuse that spurred the passage of the new Chapter 13 bankruptcy laws. Now, anyone considering filing under any of the various legal channels must attend an approved course that provides credit counseling, budget investigation, and financial analysis, and the course must be concluded within 180 days before filing his case with the Bankruptcy Court. There are no guidelines in the law for how much should be charged for tuition for this course, but there are free classes online, and some nonprofit organizations that are subsidized by major credit card companies are offering the course. For the attentive student, the course should give an improved vision of his or her financial status and goals, and the tools for avoiding getting into financial trouble again. This is significant, since the Chapter 13 bankruptcy abuse lawmakers were particularly concerned about was repeated filings of petitions by an individual.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy abuse under the new laws is probably not impossible, but very much less likely to happen. If there is a presumption of abuse by someone filing under Chapter 7 (which would wipe the slate clean), his case will automatically be changed to a 13 (requiring a plan of payment). The presumption of abuse depends upon the outcome of the means test now in place. Debtors who net more every month than their state's median income would be subject to a means test. If the debtor has at least $166.67 in current monthly income after the allowed deductions, abuse is presumed no matter the amount of the debtor's unsecured debt; or, if the debtor had at least $100 of such income, abuse is presumed if he has sufficient funds to pay at least twenty-five percent of non priority unsecured debt over five years. There is a clause that allows rebuttal of the presumption of abuse if there are detailed documents proving special circumstances requiring additional expenses, or adjustment of current monthly total income.
IRS standards are used to calculate what debtors can claim as monthly living expenses, which would include food, clothing, personal care, and entertainment, depending on the debtor's family size. An increase up to five percent of that national standard can be allowed if it can be shown that it is reasonable and necessary. The new Chapter 13 bankruptcy laws require the debtor must file a certificate of credit counseling and repayment plan within 180 days of filing. (This requirement is waived for debtors who are disabled, incapacitated, or on active duty in a military zone.) The debtor must also submit the following: (1) a statement demonstrating debtor has received and read Sec. 342(b) notice; (2) pay stubs for the previous 60 days; (3) a statement of projected income after discharge or dismissal of the case, or increases in expenditures; (4) itemized monthly net income; (5) his most recent IRS return; (6) provide tax returns each year of the proceeding; (7) an annual income/expense statement; (8) disclosure of qualified education savings accounts and tuition programs; and (9) if requested by trustee, a photo ID. (Whew!) And that isn't all. Debtors must perform their intent to surrender, reaffirm, or redeem debt secured by property of the estate within 30 days after the first date set for the meeting of creditors. There are some other provisions fitting particular circumstances, and the best source for that information would be a good attorney. In fact, having a good attorney may be the only way to completely avoid the pitfalls of inadvertent Chapter 13 bankruptcy abuse.
Previous Chapter 13 bankruptcy abuse has been addressed by several provisions, and they are: increased protection for secured debtors; prompt filing of schedules and other information; adjustments to ensure that creditors receive notice of filings; require plans to extend for five years for debtors with incomes over the statutory limit; and limit the shelter to real estate assets. Also the time between filing Chapters 7 and 13 has been expanded to eight years. Further, non dischargeable debts have been expanded. The Court has to trust that the debtor will comply with the requirements under the law, and the debtor trusts that he will be protected and his work will be appreciated. Scripture mentions trust in the Lord: "The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust." (Ruth 2:12)
Clearly, the new Chapter 13 bankruptcy laws have made filing under that provision more difficult, and have given greater protection to creditors. For debtors who are in the position of really needing the protection of these provisions for getting out from under an excessive debt burden, this is probably not a total deterrent. Good attorneys will be able to evaluate an individual's position and explain the requirements thoroughly, so one can navigate the proverbial rough waters with some certainty. On the other side of the coin, Chapter 13 bankruptcy abuse should certainly be substantially reduced.
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