Learn how Chapter 13 bankruptcy works, whether you are eligible to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy, what happens to your car and home in Chapter 13, differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, how much you'll have to pay through your Chapter 13 bankruptcy repayment plan, and more.
An Overview of Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
People who earn a significant income or want to protect valuable property will file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. In exchange for debt relief, these filers pay their discretionary income to creditors in a three- to five-year repayment plan. Learn how the Chapter 13 bankruptcy process works, including how much you'll pay in your Chapter 13 repayment plan.
Steps in a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Case
Here, you'll find a Chapter 13 timeline outlining the steps you can expect to encounter after filing for Chapter 13. If you want to know how long it takes to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy, complete the steps outlined, and receive a Chapter 13 discharge, the answer is most filers complete the process in 60 months—possibly less if your income is low enough or you’re paying 100% of your debts.
Tips for Surviving Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Follow these tips to ensure successful completion of your Chapter 13 bankruptcy case.
Does Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Ruin Your Credit?
Your credit will likely suffer when you file a Chapter 13 case, but after Chapter 13 bankruptcy, credit scores tend to recover quickly. Also, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing will drop from your credit report years before a Chapter 7 case would.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: What Will It Cost and Will It Work?
If you’re trying to deal with too many debts, you’re probably wondering whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy will help you out.
Are You Eligible for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?
Although Chapter 13 bankruptcy can be a good option, not everyone meets Chapter 13 requirements. Find out what qualifies you for Chapter 13 and why Chapter 13 eligibility depends on up-to-date tax filings, debt amounts, and the ability to afford plan payments.
Can I File for Bankruptcy If I Am Unemployed?
You don't have to be employed to file for bankruptcy. But being unemployed can affect the success of your bankruptcy if you file for Chapter 13.
Can an Undocumented Immigrant File for Bankruptcy?
If you are an undocumented immigrant, you can file for bankruptcy if you have a valid Social Security Number or ITIN.
Your Obligations Under a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Plan
Learn which debts you must pay back when you file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
"Best Effort" Requirement in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Disposable Income Test
In order to be confirmed (approved) by the court, your Chapter 13 repayment plan must represent your "best effort" at paying back your nonpriority unsecured creditors.
Can I Pay Off My Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Plan Early?
Learn when you can pay off Chapter 13 early and how much it will cost. It will likely be far more than you'd hoped. Find out how Chapter 13 bankruptcy works and your options for getting out of Chapter 13 early, including qualifying for a hardship discharge, paying everything you owe, or dismissing the case.
Debts That Must Be Paid in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you must pay some debts in full through your plan; others you pay in part. For instance, you'll continue to pay monthly payments and interest on secured debts. What happens to unsecured debts in Chapter 13 is different. In many instances, you'll pay far less than you owe. Here are the details.
Cramdowns in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: The Basics
In Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, you may be able to reduce the principle of a secured debt to the value of the collateral secured. Learn how it works.
Your Home in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 bankruptcy provides opportunities for homeowners to delay or prevent foreclosure and pay off back debt on their mortgages.
Keep Your House With Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a great tool for avoiding foreclosure.
How to Value Your Home in Bankruptcy
Keeping your new house in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy can depend on the accuracy of a Chapter 7 home appraisal. Learn about methods for valuing your home in bankruptcy and the role of bankruptcy appraisals.
Car Repossession and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Find out when a car loan lender can repossess your car during Chapter 13 bankruptcy and whether you can get it back if the repossession happened before you filed.
Your Car in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: An Overview
What happens to your car, truck, van, motorcycle, or another vehicle if you file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy? Learn how filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy can help you keep your vehicle from being repossessed and when you can use a cramdown to decrease the loan amount you'll need to pay.
Debts That Must Be Paid in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you must pay some debts in full through your plan; others you pay in part. For instance, you'll continue to pay monthly payments and interest on secured debts. What happens to unsecured debts in Chapter 13 is different. In many instances, you'll pay far less than you owe. Here are the details.
Debts That Survive Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
After you complete your Chapter 13 plan, some of the remaining debts won't be discharged.
Can I Keep My Tax Refund in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?
If you receive a tax refund during a Chapter 13 bankruptcy case, the Chapter 13 trustee will likely require you to turn that money over for payment to your creditors.
Keeping Property in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you are allowed to keep all of your property. However, if you have nonexempt assets, you may be required to pay back more of your unsecured debts through your Chapter 13 plan.