A Fresh Start On A Debt-Free Life. Begin The Chapter 13 Process With Our Help
Filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy can stop foreclosure proceedings and allow you to keep your house. You may even be able to cure delinquent mortgage payments over time.
Reschedule Secured Debts
If you have secured debts for which you have put up collateral, you can reschedule them and extend them over the life of your Chapter 13 plan. This rescheduling process can often lower your payments.
No Direct Contact With Creditors
Those who qualify for Chapter 13 often make enough money to repay their debts but do not have liquid assets to meet demands for immediate payment. Chapter 13 acts like a consolidation loan, allowing you to make payments to a trustee rather than dealing directly with creditors.
Can Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Really Help Me Rebuild?
Thousands of people file for Chapter 13 every year
How do I know if I qualify to file?
Chapter 13 Eligibility
- Meet Debt Requirements: To qualify for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, your unsecured debts must be less than $394,725 and your secured debts must be less than $1,184,200.
- Have Not Filed Recently: You cannot file for bankruptcy if a previous petition was dismissed because you willfully failed to appear before the court or comply with court orders within the last 180 days. You are also ineligible if, in the same time period, your petition was voluntarily dismissed after creditors attempted to recover property.
- Have A Steady Income: When filing for Chapter 13, you need to prove that your income allows you to pay for your monthly household expenses and keep up with a repayment plan. If your income is too low or irregular, the court may not confirm your proposed plan.
- Are Not A Business: Chapter 13 is not available to corporations or partnerships. However, you can include personal business-related debts in your repayment plan.
Full-Service Debt Relief In A Comfortable Environment
Dorothy Bartholomew and our team are dedicated to providing customized legal services in an empathetic and compassionate environment. Over the last 25 years, we have filed more than 8,500 bankruptcy cases.
We also have six puppy helpers at our office to make your time with us as stress-free as possible. Our team knows what you are going through, and we are here to help.
What Happens After: A Discharge Releases You From All Qualifying Debts
If you meet all of the requirements at the end of your repayment plan, the judge in your case will grant you a discharge. A discharge releases you from all debts included in the plan with a few exceptions. Creditors will not be able to start or continue any legal actions to collect debts accounted for in your discharge.
Certain long-term financial obligations are not covered in a Chapter 13 discharge, including:
- Mortgages
- Alimony
- Child support
- Certain taxes
- Government-funded student loans
- Debts from death or personal injury caused while under the influence
- Restitution or criminal fines
You will still be responsible for these debts after your case ends.
A Chapter 13 bankruptcy can affect your credit score even after freeing you from debt. The fact that you filed for bankruptcy will be listed on your credit report for seven years, which may affect your ability to get additional credit.
“Dorothy and her staff were excellent! I had the best experience working with them and would highly recommend working with Dorothy. Everyone treated me with dignity and professionalism and the rates were very reasonable … Go see Dorothy … you won’t be disappointed!” Laura B.
Reach Out To Us Today
Find out more about our debt relief services by contacting our firm online or calling 253-458-4238 today.