Waiting in line for the new iPhone? There's no wait (and no cost) to download our Apps!

Today, June 24, 2010, the day of the iPhone 4.0 release, many, many Apple devotees are waiting in line, no doubt playing games, checking e-mail and surfing the web on their 3GS until they get their hands on the newest iPhone. Well, whether or not you've braved the lines to be the first to have the new device, you can still download the Kelsey & Trask, P.C. Web-Apps and iPhone Apps. (see the end of this post for instructions on how to access these apps on other smartphones as well)

iPhone Apps:

The Chapter 7 Means Test Calculator App

The means test is a test required under the new bankruptcy law to determine a debtor's eligibility to file for bankruptcy under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code. If your income is greater than the median income for your state of residence and family size, in some cases, creditors have the right to file a motion requesting that the Court dismiss your cases under Section 707(b) of the Bankruptcy Code.

Use this App to determine whether you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy under part a of the Chapter 7 Means Test. You can even save or e-mail your calculation to access it later. If your income is greater than the median income for your state of residence and family size, you still might meet part b of the means test after taking into consideration certain expenses and deductions as defined by the Bankruptcy Code. You should consult with an attorney to determine your eligibility.

The Child Support Calculator App

Use this worksheet to calculate the presumptive amount of child support to be ordered by the Probate & Family Courts in Massachusetts based on the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines (including all of the calculations required for filling out the court form). You can then save your calculations, and even e-mail them.





Must have app for Family Law Attys - ★★★★★
Review by Mass Attorney

Must have app. Quickly calculate child support according to the guidelines and try different income scenerios.


The Divorce Spousal Support Calculator App

Some states use formulas to calculate presumptive alimony. And notwithstanding the lack of legislative support, some Judges in Massachusetts have suggested doing the same. A Joint Task Force of the Massachusetts Bar Association and the Boston Bar Association has prepared a draft report which also suggests a formula to calculate the maximum alimony award possible.



All of these formulas are included in this calculator, which we believe can be a valuable resource in helping parties understand a reasonable potential range of spousal support orders.


In addition, you can access the full Article (The Divorce Spousal Support Calculator: An Alimony Formula Resource and Tool for Computing Suggested Alimony Payments in Divorce Cases) directly from the App by clicking on the Settings button in the lower left-hand corner of the App.

Similar to the Child Support Calculator App, you can also save and e-mail your calculations.







Web Apps:

These three Apps are also available as Web-Apps and can be accessed directly on our mobile site or through the Apple Web-App Store.

The Chapter 7 Means Test Calculator Web-App
   - Direct Link: mobile.kelseytrask.com/meanstest.htm

The Child Support Calculator Web-App
   - Direct Link: http://mobile.kelseytrask.com/childsupport.htm

The Divorce Spousal Support Calculator Web-App
   - Direct Link: http://mobile.kelseytrask.com/spousalsupport.htm

In addition we have a recently created fourth web-app:

The Chapter 7 Timeline Calculator Web-App
   - Direct Link: mobile.kelseytrask.com/7timeline.htm

The bankruptcy court is very strict regarding deadlines. Often, missing a deadline will result in the dismissal of your Bankruptcy Case. Therefore, it is very important that all documents are filed accurately and on time with the Bankruptcy Court.

This App displays approximate dates for deadlines and events in a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy case when you enter a filing date. These dates are subject to change by amendments to the U.S. Code, or may vary due to local rules or practices or even due to the specific facts of your case. If you have any questions you should consult with an attorney when reviewing this timeline.


Don't have an iPhone, that's okay too. Whether you are an Android, Blackberry or other smartphone user, you can still use all of our great calculators in your web-browser on our mobile pages designed just for smartphones. Just visit m.kelseytrask.com or mobile.kelseytrask.com on your mobile phone and you should see a page that looks something like this:

I Just Filed My Chapter 7 Case - Now What?

With many clients, once the attorney and client have reviewed the bankruptcy petition, schedules, statements, worksheets and calculations, and their case is ready to file, I am often met with a perplexed look and a question:

"So what happens next?"

What happens next is a flurry of deadlines and court control dates, some of which require the client's participation (such as responding to the Trustee's requests for additional information), some do not require the client's participation, and others may require the attorney's participation, depending on how the case progresses.

Often, the client is overwhelmed with the detail and the numerous dates, and simply wants to know that they will get their discharge in "about four months". However, some clients with more complex cases appreciate the added detail, which is why we have added a convenient Chapter 7 Timeline to our website.

The new addition allows a client or prospective client to input their Chapter 7 Filing Date and Section 341(a) hearing date (if known), and will output a scaled timeline with the important dates. Links to the relevant portions of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure are also included for cross reference at the bottom of the timeline page.

We hope this tool will help clients, prospective clients and attorneys alike better understand and navigate the meticulous and often trap-ridden world of bankruptcy law.

If you have any questions regarding Kelsey & Trask, P.C.'s Chapter 7 Timeline, please contact Attorney Matthew Trask at 508.655.5980.

What is the Median Family Income for Massachusetts?

The Median Family Income for Massachusetts as of March 15, 2010 is as follows:

Family size 1: $53,315 per year
Family size 2: $69,204 per year
Family size 3: $82,297 per year
Family size 4: $99,293 per year

add an additional $6,900 per year for each additional household member, up until April 1, 2009. For cases filed after April 1, 2009 add an additional $7,500 for each additional household member.

Under Part (a) of the Chapter 7 means test, if your income is greater than the median income for your state of residence and family size, then there is a presumption that you qualify for bankruptcy relief under chapter 7.

For more information on other states and a Median income Calculator visit our webpage, our mobile webpage designed for smart phones, or download our iPhone App.

Please note that these figures are subject to change and you should consult with an attorney for the current figures.