Bankruptcy Means Test in Raleigh

What Is the Bankruptcy Means Test in Raleigh? A Simple Guide for You

Are you thinking about filing for bankruptcy, but heard something scary called the “Means Test”? Don’t worry—you’re not alone, and it’s not as scary as it sounds! In fact, the Bankruptcy Means Test in Raleigh is just a tool that helps figure out if you qualify for Chapter 7 or need to file Chapter 13 instead.

Let’s walk through what it is, why it matters, and how it affects you, step by step, and easily understand.

What Is the Bankruptcy Means Test in Raleigh?

The Bankruptcy Means Test in Raleigh is a set of math problems (don’t worry—we do the math for you!) that helps the court see how much money you bring in and how much you spend on things you need (like rent, food, and car gas). It helps determine if you have enough leftover money to repay some of your debt.

If you pass the test, you might be able to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which wipes out most of your debt, like credit cards and medical bills.

If you don’t pass the test, it doesn’t mean you’re stuck. You might just need to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy, which gives you time (3 to 5 years) to pay back some of your debt slowly and keep your home or car.

Either way, you still get debt relief—the Bankruptcy Means Test in Raleigh just helps you figure out which path is right.

Why Does the Bankruptcy Means Test in Raleigh Exist?

Long ago, some individuals with substantial disposable income filed Chapter 7, even when they could afford to pay some of their bills. Therefore, the government established the Bankruptcy Means Test to ensure that people are being honest and fair.

The test is meant to help people who truly can’t afford to pay back their debt get a fresh start, and help others make a plan to catch up the right way.

Step 1: What’s Your Income?

The first part of the Bankruptcy Means Test in Raleigh looks at your household income from the last 6 months. That includes:

• Your job pay

• Side hustle money

• Rental income

• Unemployment

• Bonuses or commissions

• Other household income (if you’re married or live with someone who shares bills)

This number is then compared to the average income in North Carolina for a household your size.

💡 Good news: If your income is below the average, you automatically pass the test and can likely file Chapter 7!

2025 Raleigh Median Income Guidelines (Example Only)

These numbers change every few months, so your Raleigh bankruptcy attorney will check the latest chart!

Step 2: What Are Your Expenses?

If your income is above the average, don’t panic! The second part of the Bankruptcy Means Test in Raleigh looks at your monthly expenses. This includes things like:

• Rent or mortgage

• Car payments

• Groceries

• Childcare

• Health insurance

• Taxes

• Medical bills

• Gas and car insurance

• Court-ordered payments (like child support)

After subtracting all those from your income, the test checks to see how much disposable income you have left over.

If there’s very little or nothing left, you still pass the Bankruptcy Means Test in Raleigh and may qualify for Chapter 7!

What If I Don’t Pass?

If the math shows you have too much disposable income, then you’ll likely need to file Chapter 13 instead of Chapter 7.

But don’t worry—Chapter 13 is not a bad thing. In fact, it helps many people:

• Catch up on mortgage or car payments

• Avoid foreclosure or repossession

• Pay back taxes or child support

• Protect valuable property

• Get creditor relief while making small monthly payments

Even if you don’t pass the Bankruptcy Means Test in Raleigh, you still win by getting peace of mind and a plan to move forward.

What About Special Situations?

The Means Test can be tricky if:

• You’re self-employed

• You just lost a job or got a new one

• You’re divorced or separated

• You have irregular income (like tips or commissions)

This is where a Raleigh bankruptcy attorney really helps! We can look at your unique situation and sometimes even use special rules to help you pass the Bankruptcy Means Test in Raleigh.

Do I Have to Do This Alone?

No way! At Cameron Bankruptcy Law, we handle the Bankruptcy Means Test in Raleigh for you. We’ll collect your income info, look at your bills, and figure out which chapter is best for your goals.

We do the math, explain every step, and fight to protect what matters to you—like your home, car, and family.

Here’s What You’ll Get:

• A free consultation with a kind, local attorney’s office

• A full review of your income and budget

• Help passing the Bankruptcy Means Test in Raleigh

• A plan to erase debt, rebuild credit, and move forward

Thousands of families in Raleigh have trusted us to guide them through the process, and you can too.

📞 Let’s Do This Together

The Bankruptcy Means Test in Raleigh doesn’t have to be confusing. It’s just a step on your path to freedom.

Call us today at (984) 7NO-DEBT or (984) 766-3328
Visit CameronBankruptcyLaw.com
Or book a free appointment: BKAppointment.com

Let’s figure out if you qualify and start your journey toward a better future—no more stress, no more guesswork, and no more debt.

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