From the Editor – Chapter 7 Issues

By The Honorable William Houston Brown (Retired)

Abuse Dismissal

Spouse’s income considered for abuse purposes. Under § 707(b)(3)(B)’s totality of circumstances inquiry, the nondebtor husband’s income contributed to debtor’s household expenses could be considered in abuse determination. Husband was wealthy and parties had been married for twenty-one years, pooling income and expenses. Credit card debt incurred by debtor benefitted household and husband. The specific provisions of § 707(b)(2) did not subsume broader § 707(b)(3). Kulakowski v. United States Trustee (In re Kulakowski), 735 . . .

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