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Facts State of Texas
In 2006, Texas residents filed bankruptcy 88,372 times under all
Chapters. Based on the state population of 20,851,820 residents, Texas
residents file 1 case for each 235 residents. State similarly, 0.42% of
state residents filed bankruptcy in 2006. According to lobbyists
representing major lenders our US Congress, this level of filing reached
epidemic proportions and required extensive reform of the Code to
prevent future filings.
Facts State of Texas - Bankruptcy Abuse and Prevention
Act of 2008
Effective as of October 17, 2008, no resident in Texas may file
Chapter 7 if earning more than the state median income. This income is
to be determined by the Bankruptcy Court. In 2006, the average income
statewide was $41,515. Further, if earning below the income cap, debtors
must prove compliance with "means testing" requirements that place
restrictions on filing Chapter 7 based upon the ration of disposable
income to total debt.
Records of legal proceedings in Texas are available online through a wide assortment of sources. the most comprehensive sources (and easy to use) generally require the payment of a subscription fee to maintain an account. But not all. Many larger counties provide free Texas Court Records, dockets, filing information, pending hearings, and much more. Texas Bankruptcy Records are available through the PACER system and require a nominal fee for access to the Federal database. In addition, many other public documents (real estate, marriage, corporate, name change, assumed names, etc.) are available through the County Clerk's Office.
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