I still don't understand how the court can include my wife's financial dealings into my bankruptcy, unless her financial dealings can in some way be tied to my name (social security number). For example, here are a couple of hypotheticals that I thought of (along with some arguments and questions):
1. My wife gets a new job and makes an additional $5,000 this year. We file a joint tax return.
-Argument: Since we file a joint tax return, I understand that her money can be considered as household income and the trustee needs to know about that income, and any refund that we may receive.
2. My wife opens up a bank account in her name only. Her father sends her $5000 and she deposits it in her bank account. That money does not get claimed on a tax return because it falls under the exemptions as gifts from family (there is an annual amount that she can receive without having to claim it on our tax return). She in turn, writes a check from that account to pay off the outstanding balances on her own debts (after all, she didn't declare bankruptcy, so she is under no protection).
-Argument: This money is in no way, and will in no way be, tied to my name. Since she is not in bankruptcy, and this is her money and not mine (or even the household's money for that matter), then how can that money be considered as household income as related to my bankruptcy case?
3. I get an unexpected bonus from work at the end of the year that puts our gross income just over the median household income. If I have already started on my Chapter 13 payments, what happens then?
Thanks again for your experienced answers. They will be most helpful as I continue with my case.

