How to File Bankruptcy in Connecticut

In Connecticut you can apply for both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy as an individual consumer.

Bankruptcy in Connecticut does not discharge some debts, including most back taxes, child support, alimony, most student loans, penalties or fines, and purchases greater than 0 made within 90 days of filing bankruptcy, or cash advances greater than 5 made within 70 days of filing bankruptcy.

To file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Connecticut and have your debts erased, you must pass a means test. Under the test, if you make less than the median income for a Connecticut family, you may file under Chapter 7. For singles, the median income in Connecticut is ,410. ,879 is the median income for a family of two, ,973 for three persons, and ,493 for four persons. If there are more than four members of your family, add ,900 for each additional person.

Before you file Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Connecticut you will need to undergo credit counseling approved by the state, as well as complete any unfiled tax returns.

Once you meet the minimum requirements, your attorney will need to file a Statement of Financial Affairs with your local Connecticut Court. Your Statement of Financial Affairs will include a list of all your debts, both secured (such as mortgages or car loans) and unsecured (such as credit cards and medical bills). You will also need to include names and contact information for all your creditors and an itemized list of your personal property and assets. The filing fee for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Connecticut is 9.
In Connecticut, you may choose from two “exemption schemes” when filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy: the Federal scheme or Connecticut state scheme.

Under the Federal scheme, you may exempt your house or mobile home up to ,200. Pursuant to the Connecticut state scheme, you may exempt your homestead up to ,000.

Under the Federal exemption scheme, you may exempt your automobile up to ,225. Under the Connecticut state scheme, the limit is ,500. Regardless of which scheme you choose, you must reaffirm any auto loans after filing bankruptcy.

Under the Federal exemption, you also keep: alimony, child support, and most life insurance; retirement benefits and pensions; household goods valued at no more than 5 each, with a total value not to exceed ,775; jewelry valued up to ,350; necessary health aids; public assistance, social security, and veterans’ benefits. You are also given a ,075 “wild card” exemption under the federal scheme.

Under the Connecticut exemption scheme, you can keep the following from your bankruptcy: Your appliances, furniture, clothing, and food; any utility and security deposits; health aids; your engagement and wedding rings. You may also keep your public assistance benefits, social security, disability, unemployment, health, and disability payments, as well as any alimony or child support you might receive. You are also entitled to exempt ,000 worth of property of your choice.

Under Connecticut state exemptions, you may also keep 75% of earned wages due to you.

If you have extra income that would allow you to repay your debts, you may want to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy. When you file Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Connecticut, you will establish a payment plan with the approval of the court.

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tags: Bankruptcy, Connecticut, File