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Married Couples' Means Test in California: Filing Choices When it comes to the California means test for married couples, there are two primary filing options: joint or separate filing. However, making the right decision requires careful consideration of specific circumstances. In situations where only one spouse plans to file for bankruptcy, it is generally recommended to keep their financial affairs separate, even if the couple typically manages their finances jointly. In cases where a couple has previously filed their tax returns jointly but now only one spouse wishes to file for bankruptcy, consult with your attorney about the best approach to present this to the trustee. If both spouses hold joint bank accounts and credit cards, opting for a joint bankruptcy filing can simplify the process. Nevertheless, the non-filing spouse can clear their portion of the credit card balance before proceeding with the bankruptcy filing. An advantage of having only one spouse file is that it allows the non-filing partner to preserve their credit score, which can be advantageous. Additionally, if the debtor intending to file is the primary earner in the household, a joint filing may result in higher allowable income limits. We just made a new web page about the means test. Contact me with any questions about your eligibility to pass the means test.