For the first time since means testing was introduced in 2005, several of the median income numbers for Georgia families have gone down. This means that the presumption of abuse is more likely to arise for Georgia filers.
Here is an example: if you have a family of 4 and file Chapter 7 on October 31 or before, your household income can be as high as $71,554 and you will qualify for Chapter 7 without having to deal with the means test. As of November 1, 2009, your household income can only be $68,502 to qualify for a Ch. 7 without having to deal with a means test.
I suspect that the median numbers have gone down because of unemployment and flat salaries. In effect, therefore, the Bankruptcy Code makes it more difficult and expensive to file for relief in a recession. That makes a lot of sense!
If you are a Georgia resident and want to see the entire post-November 1, 2009 median income table, I have posted it on my Atlanta bankruptcy blog.
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