What is the means test for filing Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

The means test for filing Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Virginia is a test to determine if a debtor can repay all or part of their debts within a three to five year period. The means test does this by looking at the debtors’ income and expenses over a six month period and determining the amount of disposable income that is available to pay back creditors. The means test starts with the median income for a household of equal size in the debtor’s state, and subtracts allowable deductions for taxes, housing, and other necessary expenses. If the debtor’s income is below the median income, then they are eligible to file for Chapter 13. If the debtor’s income is above the median income, the debtor must go through a more detailed analysis of their finances to determine their disposable income and ability to pay off their debts over the duration of the repayment plan. The means test also helps the court in determining a debtor’s eligibility for filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy instead of Chapter 13.

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