Filing for a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy allows applicants to create a plan for paying off their debts over a three-to-five-year time frame. For many, filing for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy appears confusing. In addition, many of our clients are concerned about keeping their homes and vehicles. If you have questions about filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, whether you qualify, and what the process will look like, the attorneys at Cibik Law are here to guide you through the process.
The Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyers at Cibik Law have helped over 18,000 clients successfully file for bankruptcy and move forward with a clean slate. We are dedicated to providing our clients with bankruptcy and non-bankruptcy solutions that work for them and help them handle their debt problems.
Great service and capable staff. Felt comfortable and secure by the way our case was handled by Cibik Law.
Cesar S.
They handled my situation flawlessly years ago. Once a year (or so) I end up having a question or request, they always help and follow up with me.
Chris M.
Answered and still answers all concerns and questions. Is a great bankruptcy attorney for anyone looking for one.
Christina H.
They helped me a lot in my time of need. I would strongly recommend going to them. They can help you and they are really nice and easy to get along with.
Dan U.
My time with Cibik Law was good. They knew what was best for me when filing for bankruptcy.
David R.
Chapter 13 bankruptcies are often called reorganization bankruptcies. Chapter 13 bankruptcies are frequently used to stop mortgage foreclosure or lower the applicant’s overall monthly expenses. When an applicant files for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, he or she can repay mortgage arrears and begin to repay unsecured debt. At the end of the Chapter 13 bankruptcy process, most of the applicant’s unsecured debts will be eliminated, and he or she can begin with a fresh financial start.
Chapter 7 bankruptcies are called liquidation bankruptcies because the bankruptcy trustee will liquidate or sell the applicant’s assets to pay off debt. In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the applicant will not need to make monthly payments over three to five years. Instead, the trustee will liquidate the applicant’s assets, pay off as much data as possible, and then wipe out the remaining debt at the end of the process.
In Chapter 13 bankruptcies, the applicant must keep paying their balances according to the court’s instructed repayment plan. After the plan is completed, the court will typically discharge all unsecured debts. There are also different eligibility requirements, and many people who do not qualify for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy choose to file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
There are many steps to filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. First, you will meet with your Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer. Your lawyer will ask you questions about your financial situation and review your financial documents. Once your documents are in order and there are not any issues that threaten your ability to get a discharge of debts, we will help you take the following steps:
The bankruptcy trustee is appointed by the bankruptcy court to oversee the administration of your reorganization plan. The trustee will review your bankruptcy paperwork, review your proposed plan for repayment to make sure it complies with bankruptcy laws, and collect your payment. That trustee will also distribute funds to creditors and carry out the terms of the chapter 13 plan.
Only individuals, not businesses, can file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Applicants cannot have filed a prior Chapter 13 bankruptcy within the last two years or a Chapter 7 bankruptcy within the last four years. Additionally, a debtor cannot file for Chapter 13 or Chapter 7 bankruptcy when:
Applicants must have filed their income tax returns and cannot have debts that are too high. Individual debtors must have less than $419,275 in unsecured debts and less than $1,257,850 in secured debts. There are no income limits in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy as there are in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. However, you will need to show that you have enough income to make your monthly debt payments. If you are unsure whether you qualify for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, one of our experienced bankruptcy lawyers can help review your situation and advise you of your legal options.
Most Chapter 13 repayment plans last between three and five years, depending on the applicant’s income and how much time she needs to pay off the debt. In most cases, if you would have qualified for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy but chose to file a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, the plan will last three years. However, if you do not qualify for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, your repayment plan will probably last five years.
Our legal team is proud to help hard-working Pennsylvania residents get out of debt and get started on the path to a new financial future. We have successfully represented many clients in Philadelphia, Center City, and Bucks, Montgomery, and Delaware Counties. We understand that the thought of filing for bankruptcy can be overwhelming; we offer our clients a free initial consultation to discuss their options with one of our experienced Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyers. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.