Spent Money instead of Turning it over

by Janet K.
(Franklin, VA )

We were suppose to turn in our taxes over to the trustee during the tax return, but we used it to repair our kitchen floor that was falling out.

When my husband saw the older gentlemen that needed some help, my husband helped him. Then my husband pulled my set out to seat me. The only person that shows any sign of assistance or respect toward his wife.

Whether this played a role in the decision, I will never know.

When the gentlemen (judge or trustee?) asked for our tax money, I told him I spent it on the floor for the kitchen and expenses because the floor was caving in, it was winter, and the children needed it repaired.

After the interview, the gentlemen said, "ok, I am going to approve the chapter conversion to chapter 7"

Then opposition came, "she spent her money from the taxes"

The gentlemen (judge?) asked, 'did you read your papers when you signed it?"

I said, 'I read the bills portion of the plan, but did not read the fine print"

The Judge approved my case and let us keep the few thousand from our refund to care for our small mobile home with our three children.

It was a true mistake with no intention to defraud anyone, and I could not have afforded paying it back.

The one opposing man objected again stating that the money belongs to the bankruptcy estate.

The gentlemen I believed to be the Judge said, "you heard her.. she did not read the fine print."