valid budget entry CH13 Qs

[bombbat]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state?MA

I just got a fulltime job after consulting for 10 months, I have 55K in unsecured debt, or about one year current salary in debt from being layed off for 24 months before I got consulting work.

I am wondering if I can deposit into my 401K and put that on my budget? Or will the trustee want to take that. How much will they allow? i wasn't offered this benefit before because i was a consultant.

If the attorney I get will take payment can I put that on my budget?

I have about $400/month expendible, trying to get that down as low as possible. I want to add more items that will be allowed, will they allow cigarettes?

I saw a lawyer today and he said it is difficult to have wages garnished in MA, is this true?

Lady'n Red, Biggun please comment, suggestions, answers

 

[bigun]

They can garnish unless they sue and win. I've no idea how what sort of hoops a creditor will have to jump through to garnish but if state law allows, it's something to consider.
A payment to a 401K will be considered a preference payment and the trustee will disallow it as an expense. Paying a lawyer is an allowable expense but many won't file until they're paid in full. Plus, that will not be an ongoing expense.

Some trustees consider tobacco a luxury and disallow it. You need to ask your lawyer how that's handled in your district.