The chapter of the Bankruptcy Code providing for adjustment of debts of an individual with regular income is known as Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Chapter 13 allows a debtor to keep property and pay debts over time, usually three to five years.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy is sometimes called a reorganization or a wage-earner’s plan. It allows for individuals to create a plan that will repay all or some of their debts.
Under a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the debtor proposes a repayment plan that calls for installment payments to creditors over three to five years. If the debtor’s current monthly income averaged over the last 6 months is less than the applicable state median, the Chapter 13 plan will be for three years unless the court approves a plan lasting longer.
If the debtor’s current monthly income is greater than the applicable state median, the bankruptcy plan generally must be for five years. In no case may a Chapter 13 plan provide for payments over a period longer than five years. During this time the law forbids creditors from starting or continuing collection efforts.
There are many advantages a Chapter 13 has over a Chapter 7 liquidation bankruptcy. One big advantage is that a Chapter 13 allows individuals a chance to save and keep their homes when facing a foreclosure.
Individuals can stop foreclosure proceedings by filing a Chapter 13, and they then can cure any amount owed in arrears over the life of the plan. Nonetheless, filers of Chapter 13 must make all continuing mortgage payments during the life of the bankruptcy.
Another nice advantage of Chapter 13 over Chapter 7 is that individuals are allowed to reschedule secured payments (other than real property) and extend them for the life of the bankruptcy plan. This often lowers payments dramatically.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy also has a special provision that protects third parties who are liable with the debtor on “consumer debts.” This provision may protect co-signers. Also, chapter 13 acts like a consolidation loan under which the individual makes the plan payments to a chapter 13 trustee who then distributes payments to creditors. Individuals will have no direct contact with creditors while under chapter 13 bankruptcy protection.
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