United States Code/Title 11/Chapter 3/Section 302

§ 302. Joint Cases


 * (a) A joint case under a chapter of this title is commenced by the filing with the bankruptcy court of a single petition under such chapter by an individual that may be a debtor under such chapter and such individual’s spouse. The commencement of a joint case under a chapter of this title constitutes an order for relief under such chapter.
 * (b) After the commencement of a joint case, the court shall determine the extent, if any, to which the debtors’ estates shall be consolidated.