Part 1—Chapter 13 Basics
Part 2—Benefits of Chapter 13
Part 3—How Your Plan Payment is Calculated
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
The Chapter 13 process starts when you hire a lawyer. We offer consultations by phone or video for your convenience. Once you decide it’s time to move forward, we’ll send you a services agreement to review and sign electronically. We also accept electronic payments. Our online questionnaire is easy to use and can be completed at your convenience.
What Does Chapter 13 cost?
In Chapter 13, you pay a flat fee out-of-pocket. When you're in financial trouble, you want predictability. You don't want your lawyer to run up the bill on you. That's why we quote you a flat fee at the beginning of the process, and that's what you pay. We agree on it at the start so you can plan for the expense.
Unlike Chapter 7, you don't need to pay your whole fee upfront in Chapter 13. In fact, in many cases Chapter 13 costs less up front than Chapter 7. We generally require a minimum of $1,000 before filing in a Chapter 13, but this can depend on your case.
What happens after you file your case?
As soon as the case is filed with the court, your bankruptcy protection begins. No creditors can call, write, or sue you, and any pending foreclosures, repossessions, or garnishments must stop immediately. After that, you’ll get a date for your bankruptcy meeting of creditors.
What is the meeting of creditors?
A meeting of creditors is a short interview that happens in person, or by phone/video. The bankruptcy trustee will go over your assets, debts, income, and expenses with you, and make sure you’re paying an appropriate amount to your creditors. Once we get the trustee and your creditors to agree to the plan, your case will be on track to get confirmed.
What happens after the plan is confirmed?
Once your case is confirmed, there’s not usually much to do in your case other than make your plan payments. We’ll generally check in every year around tax time, and you’ll have to let your lawyer know if you are having trouble making your payments so you can get some help. Because of your bankruptcy protection, your creditors will be breaking the law if they contact you after you file Chapter 13, so you should let your bankruptcy lawyer know right away if a collector is calling. We can put a stop to the calls and may even be able to get them to pay you for breaking the law.
Part 1—Chapter 13 Basics
Part 2—Benefits of Chapter 13
Part 3—How Your Plan Payment is Calculated