Bankruptcy

Changes After Filing

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    What Must I Update After Filing Bankruptcy?

    Filing bankruptcy does not freeze your life in place. After your case is filed, you have an ongoing legal duty to update certain information if things change.

    Many people get into trouble not because something changed — but because they didn’t report it.

    This page explains what must be updated after filing, what usually does not need to be updated, and how to protect your case.

    The Core Rule: Material Changes Must Be Disclosed

    After filing bankruptcy, you must disclose material changes to your financial situation. A change is considered “material” if it affects:

    • Income

    • Assets

    • Ability to pay

    • Trustee or creditor rights

    If you’re unsure whether something counts, the safest answer is: tell your attorney.

    Changes You MUST Report After Filing

    1️⃣ Changes in Income

    You must report:

    • New jobs

    • Job loss or reduced hours

    • Raises or bonuses

    • Overtime changes

    • Commission changes

    • New self-employment or gig income

    📌 Why it matters:
    Income affects eligibility, plan payments, and feasibility — especially in Chapter 13.

    2️⃣ Windfalls or Unexpected Money

    You must report receiving or becoming entitled to:

    • Inheritances

    • Lawsuit settlements

    • Insurance payouts

    • Lottery or gambling winnings

    • Large tax refunds

    • Bonuses

    ⚠️ Timing matters — especially the 180-day rule in Chapter 7 and entire plan period in Chapter 13.

    3️⃣ Changes in Assets

    You must report:

    • Buying or selling property

    • Receiving property

    • Transferring assets

    • Changes in home equity

    • New vehicles or title changes

    Do not assume something is exempt and therefore irrelevant — it still must be disclosed.

    4️⃣ Changes in Household or Marital Status

    You must report:

    • Marriage or separation

    • Divorce filing or finalization

    • Changes in household size

    • Changes in who contributes to expenses

    Household composition affects:

    • Means testing

    • Expense allowances

    • Chapter 13 payments

    5️⃣ Address, Contact, or Employment Changes

    You must update:

    • Mailing address

    • Phone number or email

    • Employer name or payroll changes

    Missing notices because of outdated contact information can lead to dismissal.

    6️⃣ New Debts or Credit Use (Very Important)

    After filing, you generally cannot:

    • Use credit cards

    • Take new loans

    • Finance vehicles

    • Incur large debts

    Without court or trustee approval (especially in Chapter 13), this can violate bankruptcy rules.

    What Usually Does NOT Need to Be Updated

    You typically do not need to update:

    • Small, ordinary expenses

    • Routine grocery or utility fluctuations

    • Normal monthly bills staying consistent

    • Minor account balance changes

    When in doubt — ask.

    Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13: Key Differences

    Chapter 7

    You must report:

    • Windfalls within 180 days

    • Asset changes

    • Income changes that affect eligibility

    Cases are shorter, but disclosure rules still apply.

    Chapter 13

    Disclosure duties last the entire 3–5 year plan.

    You must report:

    • All income changes

    • Windfalls at any time

    • Tax refunds (often annually)

    • Major expense or household changes

    Failure to update can lead to:

    • Plan modification

    • Dismissal

    • Loss of discharge

    What Happens If I Don’t Update Something?

    Failing to disclose required changes can result in:

    • Trustee objections

    • Case dismissal

    • Loss of discharge

    • Repayment demands

    • Allegations of bad faith

    Even honest oversights can cause problems if not corrected.

    What To Do If Something Changes

    ✔ Contact your attorney immediately
    ✔ Provide details and documentation
    ✔ Do not move or spend money first
    ✔ Do not assume “it’s probably fine”

    Fixing issues early is almost always easier than fixing them later.

    One Simple Rule That Protects You

    If you are unsure whether something matters — disclose it.

    There is almost no penalty for over-disclosure.
    There are penalties for silence.

    Final Reassurance

    Bankruptcy is designed for real people with changing lives. Trustees expect updates — they do not expect perfection.

    What they expect is:

    • Honesty

    • Timely communication

    • Cooperation

    That’s how cases succeed.

    Talk to Your Attorney If Something Changes

    If your situation changes after filing, do not wait. A quick call or email can prevent serious problems.

    Ginsburg Law Group helps clients:

    • Stay compliant after filing

    • Respond to trustee requests

    • Update cases safely

    • Protect their discharge and future

    👉 Contact us today if something has changed in your bankruptcy case or you’re unsure what to report.

     

    📞 Call us today for a free, confidential bankruptcy consultation – 855-978-6564 or email us at bankruptcy@ginsburglawgroup.com.

    CLICK HERE for your free case assessment.

    Contact our Bankruptcy Team: bankruptcy@ginsburglawgroup.com

    We work with most major legal services and legal insurance plans.  Some cover your legal fees for bankruptcy services.  Give us a call today to see if your bankruptcy is covered!

    BANKRUPTCY TEAM

    AMY GINSBURG – aginsburg@ginsburglawgroup.com

    GRACIE KLEIN – gklein@ginsburglawgroup.com

    NICOLE LOMBARDI – nlombardi@ginsburglawgroup.com