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The means test determines whether a consumer debtor qualifies for Chapter 7 bankruptcy or must file under Chapter 13, and understanding how it applies in Illinois can significantly affect case strategy. This page explains how a thorough means test analysis is performed, what income and expense figures are considered, and how local rules in Illinois and the Northern and Southern Districts can influence eligibility. It is written to help residents of Frankfort and surrounding areas evaluate their options, gather the right documents, and decide on next steps when federal bankruptcy rules interact with household finances and family obligations.
Many people approach bankruptcy with uncertainty about which chapter is appropriate and how recent changes in income or household composition affect the means test outcome. This guide walks through practical steps to prepare for a means test review, shows which forms and statements commonly make the difference, and outlines how adjustments for allowable expenses can alter the calculation. The goal is to provide clear, actionable information for Illinois households so they can make informed decisions about whether a Chapter 7 filing is feasible or whether a repayment plan under Chapter 13 will be required.
A carefully conducted means test analysis helps debtors avoid surprises that can derail a bankruptcy filing or result in an unintended chapter designation. In Illinois, the way household income, allowed deductions, and recent changes are documented can materially change whether a filer qualifies for Chapter 7. Benefits of a proper review include identifying legitimate deductions, catching reporting errors, and developing a strategy that aligns with long-term financial goals. For households facing wage changes, medical expenses, or dependent care obligations, a tailored review may preserve discharge options and reduce the risk of an unsuccessful filing.
Frankfort Law Group represents individuals and families in Illinois who are confronting overwhelming debts and need a clear path forward. Our approach to means test analysis focuses on careful document review, accurate income calculation, and identifying allowable expense deductions under current bankruptcy rules. We prioritize clear communication and practical solutions tailored to each household, guiding clients through collection defenses, preservation of exemptions, and the selection of the correct bankruptcy chapter. Clients in Frankfort and surrounding areas receive personal attention to ensure filings reflect accurate financial circumstances and procedural requirements.
The means test compares a debtor’s current monthly income against the median income for a similarly sized household in Illinois, then adjusts that number to determine disposable income available for repaying creditors. It includes evaluating pay stubs, tax returns, and reasonable monthly expenses as allowed by the bankruptcy code. For many Illinois residents, this process requires reconciling different income sources and timing issues, such as recent bonuses, unemployment benefits, or self-employment fluctuations. Preparing accurate records and understanding which expenses are accepted can significantly affect whether a Chapter 7 discharge is attainable.
Completing the means test accurately involves more than filling out forms; it requires assessing the household’s financial reality over a representative period and applying statutory allowances correctly. Deductions for secured debt, certain transportation costs, and local standards may reduce monthly disposable income, while nonallowable items must be excluded. In Illinois, district court practice, case law, and trustee interpretations influence outcomes, so knowing how to present the calculation to a trustee can avoid objections and reduce delays. Careful, proactive documentation helps protect filer rights and supports a smoother bankruptcy process.
The means test is a two-step federal calculation used to determine whether a consumer debtor’s income and expenses make them eligible for Chapter 7 liquidation or require Chapter 13 repayment. First, current monthly income is computed based on recent receipts converted to a monthly amount and compared with Illinois median income figures for the household size. Second, allowed deductions and reasonable expenses are subtracted to reveal disposable income. The results dictate whether a presumption of abuse arises or if a Chapter 7 filing is permitted, so accurate input and documentation are essential to reaching the correct outcome.
A robust means test process includes collecting recent pay records, tax returns, and benefit statements; classifying income streams; and applying statutory expense allowances and local norms. The calculation often requires choices about averaging variable income, accounting for bonuses or overtime, and documenting recurring deductions like child support or medical bills. Trustees may scrutinize entries, so providing contemporaneous records and clear explanations reduces dispute risk. The process also involves anticipating common objections and preparing supporting exhibits that show why certain deductions or income exclusions are appropriate under the code and prevailing practice in Illinois.
This glossary explains common terms used during a means test review, including current monthly income, median family income, disposable monthly income, allowed deductions, and presumption of abuse. Understanding these terms helps debtors supply the right documents and frame financial information in the way trustees and courts expect. Knowing what each term means and how it is calculated reduces confusion and improves the chance of a favorable result. The entries below offer plain-language definitions and examples tailored to Illinois filing contexts and practice patterns.
Current Monthly Income refers to a debtor’s average monthly income from all sources during the six months prior to filing, calculated under federal bankruptcy rules. It includes wages, salaries, pensions, unemployment benefits, and other recurring receipts but excludes certain specified payments in some situations. CMI is annualized and compared to the median income for an Illinois household of the same size, which determines whether the debtor must proceed to the second step of the means test. Accurate documentation of pay stubs and benefit statements is critical to computing CMI correctly.
Disposable Monthly Income is the amount left after subtracting allowed living expenses and certain payments from current monthly income, and it represents funds available for creditor repayment under Chapter 13. The means test subtracts statutory allowances and reasonably necessary expenses, following guidelines and local standards. A higher disposable income may indicate a requirement to file under Chapter 13 rather than Chapter 7. Properly categorizing expenses and documenting recurring obligations helps ensure the calculation reflects the household’s realistic ability to pay creditors.
Median Income Comparison involves checking the debtor’s current monthly income against published median incomes for Illinois households of similar size. If a filer’s income is below the median, they often pass the initial means test threshold and may qualify for Chapter 7. If the income exceeds the median, the case advances to the second step where allowed expenses are deducted to determine disposable income. This comparison is a standard federal procedure and an early determinant of the likely chapter outcome.
A presumption of abuse arises if the means test calculation shows that a debtor has sufficient disposable income to repay a portion of debts, suggesting Chapter 7 filing would unfairly benefit the filer at creditors’ expense. If the presumption applies, the filer may need to demonstrate special circumstances or proceed under Chapter 13 to propose a repayment plan. The presumption is rebuttable with appropriate evidence and adjustments, such as proving additional allowable expenses or irregular income events that reduce available funds.
The means test outcome helps guide whether Chapter 7 liquidation or Chapter 13 reorganization is the better option for an Illinois household. Chapter 7 may allow discharge of unsecured debts more quickly for those who pass the test, while Chapter 13 requires a repayment plan based on disposable income and can protect assets through structured payments. Factors such as secured obligations, recent income changes, and state exemption rules affect which path best meets financial goals. Understanding how the means test steers chapter selection helps families choose the option that offers the most realistic debt relief.
A limited means test review may be adequate when a household’s current monthly income is clearly below the Illinois median for its size and financial records are straightforward. In such circumstances, the primary work is documenting income and household size to establish eligibility for Chapter 7, rather than performing complex expense adjustments. Simple, well-organized pay stubs and tax returns typically suffice, and the focus becomes preparing the filing and exemption schedules. This approach reduces time, expense, and stress for families with uncomplicated wage history and predictable living costs.
When a debtor’s finances do not include contested deductions, variable self-employment income, or recent significant changes, a focused means test review can efficiently confirm eligibility for Chapter 7. The analysis centers on assembling primary documents and verifying household composition to support the initial calculation. This streamlined path is appropriate for filers with steady wages and few nonstandard income streams, where there is low risk of trustee inquiry or objections. Clear documentation reduces the need for extended analysis and helps proceed to filing with confidence.
A comprehensive review is advisable when household finances include multiple income sources, self-employment, fluctuating pay, recent job changes, or significant medical expenses that may be allowed as deductions. These elements require careful averaging, documentation, and sometimes tailored arguments to ensure allowable items are credited in the calculation. Detailed analysis can prevent misclassification of income or missed deductions that would otherwise alter chapter eligibility. For Illinois filers in such situations, the additional attention may avoid costly misfilings or contested trustee determinations.
When assets, secured obligations, co-debtor responsibilities, or other pending legal matters affect insolvency or payment ability, a full means test and case strategy review is important. This process examines how secured debt payments, liens, and potential exemptions interact with the means test result and whether Chapter 13 payment plans can be structured to preserve property. Detailed planning helps balance creditor claims, state exemption allowances, and household needs, producing a realistic road map for resolving indebtedness while protecting client interests in Illinois.
A comprehensive approach reduces surprises by reconciling all income sources and allowable expenses before filing, which decreases the chance of trustee objections or procedural delays. It can reveal opportunities to reclassify income, document special circumstances, or adjust timing so that the filing reflects the most favorable snapshot of household finances. For Illinois residents, this diligence can mean the difference between a successful Chapter 7 discharge and the need to propose a Chapter 13 plan, and it often results in a smoother process that better aligns with the filer’s long-term financial objectives.
Comprehensive analysis also helps preserve rights around exemptions and secured property while improving negotiation positions with creditors and trustees. When every allowable deduction has been considered and documented, the resulting means test reflects genuine ability to pay and reduces the risk of later amendments or objections. This forward-looking planning gives households clarity about timelines, potential monthly payments under Chapter 13, and options for resolving secured obligations without unnecessary asset loss, which is especially valuable in communities like Frankfort and greater Illinois.
Careful review and documentation decrease the likelihood of disputes with the trustee over income or allowable expenses by ensuring the filing presents a defensible calculation from the outset. This accuracy reduces administrative burdens and the chance of protracted hearings, allowing debtors to move forward toward debt resolution more quickly. For Illinois filers, where local practice and trustee expectations vary, having a complete factual record and clear explanations helps resolve questions early and keeps the case on track toward discharge or confirmation of a repayment plan.
A full means test review informs whether a reorganization plan under Chapter 13 can be designed to protect essential assets while addressing creditor claims in a feasible payment schedule. By identifying allowable deductions and structuring repayments, households may preserve vehicles, home equity, or retirement assets while satisfying necessary obligations. This strategic planning produces clearer expectations for monthly payments and duration of repayment, helping families in Illinois maintain stability during the process of resolving debts and rebuilding their financial footing.
Collecting comprehensive income documentation eliminates guesswork and speeds the means test calculation. Include pay stubs covering the most recent six months, year-to-date statements, filed tax returns for the most recent year, and records of any benefits or irregular income such as unemployment payments. For self-employed individuals, maintain ledgers of receipts and expenses and copies of quarterly tax filings when available. A full set of records creates a reliable foundation for the calculation, reduces the need for later amendments, and helps ensure the filing reflects the most accurate financial picture for Illinois trustees and courts.
Timing of a bankruptcy filing can influence the means test result when recent income changes, job loss, or medical crises affect average monthly income. Where possible, align the filing date so that the representative income period reflects the most accurate current circumstances. Document any recent reductions or increases in pay and provide explanations alongside supporting records. Making a strategic filing decision based on documented changes can present a more favorable snapshot of the household’s finances and potentially affect chapter eligibility for residents of Illinois.
A pre-filing means test review clarifies chapter eligibility, highlights allowable deductions, and identifies documentation gaps that could create problems after filing. This preparatory work helps families evaluate whether Chapter 7 discharge or Chapter 13 repayment is more appropriate and avoids the cost and delay of refiling. For those with fluctuating income, recent job transitions, or significant medical expenses, early review allows accurate averaging and documentation. In Illinois, understanding local median incomes and trustee expectations helps tailor the filing to the regional practice and reduce potential objections.
Early analysis also supports decisions about asset protection and timing, such as whether to pay certain debts, address co-debtor obligations, or make use of state exemptions. Preparing the means test and related schedules in advance minimizes surprises, increases the likelihood of a smoother trustee review, and provides families with a clearer roadmap for debt resolution. Whether the goal is a quick discharge or a feasible repayment plan, informed pre-filing planning produces more predictable outcomes and less stress during the bankruptcy process.
Situations that commonly require careful means test review include recent job loss or changes in hours, self-employment with variable receipts, significant medical bills, or family changes that alter household size. Additionally, households facing large secured debts or potential lien issues benefit from a full analysis to determine whether a Chapter 13 plan can protect assets. When income is near the Illinois median threshold or when trustees may scrutinize expense claims, early preparation helps present a credible filing and avoid disputes that could delay relief.
A recent and documented reduction in income can affect the means test calculation by lowering average monthly income during the look-back period. When such changes are present, it is important to assemble pay records and benefit statements that clearly show the timing and extent of the reduction. Demonstrating that income has decreased since previous tax years or earlier months can help produce a fairer calculation and may support Chapter 7 eligibility where appropriate. Proper documentation and explanation reduce the likelihood of trustee challenges.
Households with significant medical bills should compile itemized statements, insurance explanations of benefits, and proof of ongoing payments to support deductions in the means test. Medical expenses can substantially affect disposable monthly income when they are recurring or long-term, and trustees will consider clear documentation when evaluating allowable deductions. A careful presentation of these obligations increases the chances that they will be treated as subtractable expenses, thereby influencing whether a Chapter 7 filing is viable for Illinois families dealing with health-related financial burdens.
Self-employed filers often face variation in income that requires averaging and close review of business receipts and expenses. Keeping organized records of gross receipts, business deductions, and quarterly tax filings helps establish a fair representative income figure for the means test. Documenting fluctuations and explaining seasonal patterns or one-time events helps trustees understand the true economic situation. Accurate bookkeeping and clear presentation reduce the chance that variable income will be mischaracterized and lead to an incorrect determination of disposable income.
Frankfort Law Group is available to review means test issues, help assemble necessary records, and advise on chapter selection based on the calculation results. We provide practical guidance for Illinois residents facing uncertain income, significant expenses, or complicated financial histories. Calling for a consultation allows a focused review of your recent pay records, tax returns, and bills to determine how the means test will apply and what steps should be taken next. Our goal is to help you move forward with clarity and a plan suited to your household situation.
Frankfort Law Group brings local knowledge of Illinois bankruptcy practice and a methodical, client-centered approach to means test analysis. We help gather the correct documentation, apply the rules consistently, and prepare filings that reflect the filer’s true financial condition. Our practice emphasizes communication, timely filing, and anticipating trustee inquiries so that clients can pursue the most suitable path for debt resolution. With attention to detail and an emphasis on practical outcomes, we guide households through each step of the process.
Our team assists in identifying allowable deductions, reconciling income inconsistencies, and explaining how median income and local standards affect chapter eligibility. For those with complex income streams or special circumstances such as medical expenses or self-employment, we perform a detailed review and document the rationale for each entry. This preparation helps to present a transparent case and to reduce the potential for disputes, ultimately supporting a smoother route to discharge or plan confirmation for Illinois filers.
We also provide guidance on related issues like exemption planning, secured debt strategies, and timing considerations that can protect assets while resolving debts. By looking beyond the means test number to the full financial picture, we help clients choose a strategy that matches their long-term goals. Residents of Frankfort and nearby communities can rely on clear explanations, practical timelines, and step-by-step assistance to navigate the bankruptcy process with confidence and accuracy.
Our process begins with an intake to collect pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements, and documentation of regular expenses. We then perform a preliminary means test review to identify possible deductions and any timing issues that could affect eligibility. After discussing options with the client, we prepare the required schedules and the filing packet, and we coordinate submissions with trustees and courts. Throughout the matter we provide updates, respond to trustee questions, and advise on amendments or additional documentation if needed to support the filing in Illinois.
The first step focuses on assembling records that feed into the means test calculation, including the most recent six months of pay stubs, the latest filed tax return, statements of benefits, and documentation of recurring expenses. We review these items to compute current monthly income, check for out-of-period payments, and classify income correctly for the federal calculation. This foundational work ensures the means test is based on accurate and fully supported figures and helps determine whether a limited or comprehensive review is required.
Collecting complete pay records and tax filings is essential to establishing an accurate income baseline for the means test. This typically includes pay stubs showing year-to-date earnings, W-2s, and the most recent federal tax return, plus any 1099 statements for other income. For self-employed individuals, business income records and expense summaries are important. Proper documentation reduces the chance of miscalculation and provides the factual basis for deductions and income averaging required under bankruptcy rules.
We collect evidence of recurring obligations that may be allowed as deductions, such as child support, health care costs, and secured loan payments. Detailed bills, court orders, and statements help substantiate these expenses for inclusion in the means test calculation. Clear documentation supports a realistic depiction of disposable income and may counter potential trustee objections. Organizing these records from the start makes the filing more defensible and streamlines responses to any follow-up inquiries.
After documentation is collected, we run the formal means test calculation and review results with the client, explaining how median income comparisons and allowable deductions affect chapter eligibility. If the initial result suggests a presumption of abuse or a Chapter 13 requirement, we evaluate available adjustments, timing options, and documentation that may alter the outcome. This strategic assessment determines whether to proceed with a Chapter 7 filing, explore arguments to rebut a presumption, or prepare a feasible Chapter 13 plan that accommodates the household’s realistic payment capacity.
Depending on the means test outcome, we prepare the appropriate bankruptcy petition, schedules, and statements that accurately reflect income, expenses, and assets. When Chapter 7 is appropriate, we emphasize clear presentation of income and deductions; when Chapter 13 is required, we prepare a repayment plan that reflects disposable income and statutory priorities. Each filing is formatted to meet trustee expectations and local court rules in Illinois, reducing the likelihood of objections and facilitating a timely resolution.
Should the trustee question any entries or request additional documentation, we prepare thorough responses and supporting exhibits that explain the basis for income calculations and claimed expenses. This may include affidavit statements, itemized expense logs, and detailed explanations of irregular income or recent household changes. Responding promptly and with clear records reduces delays and clarifies the filer’s position, increasing the likelihood that the trustee will accept the calculation or that any disputes can be resolved without hearings.
After filing the petition and schedules, the debtor attends the creditor meeting where the trustee reviews the means test and supporting documents. We prepare clients for this meeting, anticipating typical questions and ensuring the client can explain entries and provide requested records. If a Chapter 13 plan is necessary, we assist in confirming the plan with the court and addressing objections. Our involvement continues until discharge or plan completion, keeping clients informed and helping resolve issues that arise during the case in Illinois courts.
We coach clients on how to present their financial situation clearly at the 341 meeting, including how to answer questions about income averaging, expense claims, and any irregularities in reported receipts. Bringing organized records to the meeting and having coherent explanations for entries helps the trustee complete the review without extended follow-up. Preparation reduces anxiety and increases the chance that the trustee will accept the filings, which can expedite the case toward discharge or confirmation of a repayment plan.
Following the creditor meeting, we monitor case deadlines, trustee requests, and confirmation schedules to ensure timely responses and necessary amendments. If the case proceeds under Chapter 13, we assist with plan administration and any required modifications. For Chapter 7 filings, we handle trustee communications and any objections that may arise. Continuous case management helps move the matter to final resolution with minimal disruption to the household and clear expectations about timing and outcomes for Illinois filers.
At the Frankfort Law Group, we take great pride in our commitment to personal service. Clients come to us because they have problems, and they depend upon us to help them find solutions. We take these obligations seriously. When you meet with us, we know that you are only doing so because you need help. Since we started our firm in northeast Illinois, we have focused on providing each of our clients with personal attention. You do not have to be afraid to tell us your story. We are not here to judge you or make you feel ashamed for seeking help. Our only goal is to help you get results and move past your current legal problems.
At the Frankfort Law Group, we take great pride in our commitment to personal service. Clients come to us because they have problems, and they depend upon us to help them find solutions. We take these obligations seriously. When you meet with us, we know that you are only doing so because you need help. Since we started our firm in northeast Illinois, we have focused on providing each of our clients with personal attention. You do not have to be afraid to tell us your story. We are not here to judge you or make you feel ashamed for seeking help. Our only goal is to help you get results and move past your current legal problems.
The means test is a federal calculation used to determine whether a consumer debtor has sufficient income to qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy or whether a Chapter 13 repayment plan is required. It first compares a debtor’s current monthly income to published median incomes for Illinois households of similar size, and then applies allowable deductions to identify disposable income. The result guides the appropriate chapter selection and can produce a presumption of abuse if disposable income is high enough to suggest repayment to creditors.This matters in Illinois because median income thresholds and local practice influence whether the initial comparison triggers more detailed scrutiny. Properly documenting income, household size, and allowable expenses is essential to an accurate outcome. A well-prepared means test reduces the risk of trustee objections and helps ensure the filing reflects the household’s actual ability to pay creditors or qualify for discharge.
Current monthly income is calculated by averaging all income received from any source during the six months prior to filing and then converting that figure into a monthly amount. This includes wages, pensions, unemployment benefits, and other recurring receipts, and it may require adjustments for irregular or nonrecurring payments to reach a representative number. Proper classification and documentation of each income source are important to avoid miscalculations.After determining the average, the figure is compared to the median income for an Illinois household of the same size. If the filer’s average is below the median, they often pass the initial threshold and may qualify for Chapter 7. If it is above, the case proceeds to the second step where allowable deductions are considered to determine disposable income and chapter eligibility.
Allowable expenses under the means test include certain standardized allowances for food, housing, transportation, and health care, as well as specific deductions for secured debt payments, child support, and other recurring obligations where the bankruptcy code permits. Some allowances rely on national or local standards, and trustees will often expect documentation supporting claims for higher-than-standard expenses. Keeping receipts, invoices, and court orders helps substantiate these deductions.Not all household costs qualify as allowable deductions; discretionary spending and personal lifestyle expenses are typically excluded. Detailed documentation and clear explanations of the necessity and regularity of claimed expenses increase the probability they will be accepted, which can reduce disposable monthly income and affect whether a Chapter 7 filing is appropriate for Illinois filers.
If the means test indicates that a debtor has sufficient disposable income to repay creditors, a presumption of abuse may arise and the filer might not qualify for Chapter 7 without rebutting that presumption. In such cases, the debtor may need to file under Chapter 13 and propose a repayment plan based on calculated disposable income, or present evidence of special circumstances that justify a different treatment of income or expenses.The outcome varies based on documentation, timing, and the availability of reasonable adjustments or exclusions. Early review and careful presentation can sometimes alter the result by identifying previously overlooked deductions, explaining temporary income changes, or documenting expenses that reduce disposable income, enabling a more favorable path to relief for Illinois households.
Yes, recent job loss, reduction in hours, or substantial medical bills can affect the means test result if they are properly documented and reflected in the representative income period. When income has declined recently, providing pay stubs, benefit statements, and explanations can lead to a lower average monthly income for the calculation. Similarly, recurring and substantial medical expenses, when supported by bills and proof of payments, may be allowed as deductions that reduce disposable income.Timely documentation is essential because the means test uses a specific look-back period and averages income over six months. Strategic timing and comprehensive supporting records can improve the accuracy of the calculation and, in some cases, change eligibility between chapters. Illinois filers who experience such changes should assemble evidence before filing to ensure the means test reflects their current financial reality.
Self-employed individuals must provide records that accurately demonstrate business receipts, expenses, and net income, which are used to compute current monthly income for the means test. This typically includes profit and loss statements, bank records, and filed tax returns. Business expenses are evaluated carefully to distinguish personal withdrawals from true business deductions, and averaging may be necessary to reflect fluctuating income accurately.Maintaining organized financial records and preparing reconciliations before filing are crucial for a reliable calculation. Proper documentation reduces the chance of misinterpretation and helps ensure that the means test reflects net household income after reasonable business-related deductions, improving the chances of a correct chapter determination for self-employed filers in Illinois.
Bring the most recent six months of pay stubs, year-to-date statements, the most recent federal tax return, W-2s or 1099s, and records of any other recurring income such as unemployment or retirement benefits. If you have significant expenses like child support, medical bills, or secured loan payments, bring statements, court orders, and receipts that document amounts and payment history. Organized records speed the review and reduce the risk of errors in the calculation.For self-employed individuals, include business bank statements, profit and loss summaries, and records of withdrawals. The more complete and contemporaneous the documentation, the more accurate the means test will be, making it easier to determine whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is appropriate in your Illinois filing context.
The time to complete the means test and file bankruptcy varies depending on the completeness of records and case complexity. For straightforward filings with well-organized documentation, the process from initial review to filing can take a few days to a few weeks. More complex situations involving variable income, contested deductions, or substantial assets may require additional time to gather supporting evidence and develop a strategy that aligns with long-term goals.After filing, administrative steps such as the 341 meeting and potential trustee inquiries add to the timeline. Chapter 7 cases often resolve more quickly, while Chapter 13 cases involve an extended repayment period. Early document collection and proactive planning help streamline the initial calculation and reduce unnecessary delays in Illinois matters.
Trustees routinely review means test calculations and may ask for supporting documentation, clarification of income entries, or substantiation of claimed deductions. Clear, well-organized records and concise explanations help trustees complete their review without extended follow-up. Being prepared for typical inquiries about pay stubs, tax returns, and expense claims reduces the likelihood of contested determinations and minimizes case delays.If the trustee raises objections, having a documented rationale and supporting exhibits often resolves issues without hearings. When disputes persist, a formal response or court submissions may be necessary to explain anomalies or special circumstances that affect the calculation. Prompt and thorough preparation reduces the overall disruption and improves the chance of a favorable administrative outcome for Illinois filers.
To schedule a means test review with Frankfort Law Group, call our office at 708-766-7333 or visit our website to request a consultation. We will outline the records to bring, explain the process, and conduct a focused review of your recent income and expenses to determine the best course of action. Initial conversations help identify whether a limited or comprehensive analysis is needed and set expectations about timing and cost.During the review, we will explain how median income thresholds and allowable deductions apply to your household, what documentation is required, and possible outcomes. Our aim is to provide clear guidance so you can make an informed decision about filing bankruptcy in Illinois with a realistic plan for resolution.