I have a client filing a Chapter 7 who sends $700 a month to support his family (mother, sister, nieces and nephews) who live in the West Bank and are not employed (unemployment is something beyond their control and/or they are too old or young in age). After paying his other expenses and supporting the family, he has very little money left over. I found case law (one in Southern District of IL, at least it’s in-state) stating that a dependent is defined as “someone who reasonably relies on the support of another and whom the Debtor has reason to and does support.” Under that definition, I would say this qualifies. I’ve also read other case law saying to be a dependent there has to be a “legal duty” to support. Obviously, this is more a of moral than legal duty here.
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