If you need of time to pay back bills, if you face possible foreclosure, or if you’re considering Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you may in fact need to file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in your state. Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a good option for many individuals, but that’s the only people who can file Chapter 13, as businesses cannot file for it.
With bankruptcy law changes, if you make too much money you may be forced to file for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy repayment plan instead of filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If you’re unsure, hire a professional bankruptcy lawyer in your state today.
So when is Chapter 13 bankruptcy a good option? How are you eligible? And how can you fund the repayment plan? Let’s go over these questions.
When Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is a Good Option
Chapter 13 bankruptcy does have advantages over Chapter 7 bankruptcy, but clear disadvantages as well. This is again a case where professional counsel, a bankruptcy lawyer, can help.
In essence, Chapter 13 bankruptcy does not liquidate your assets and discharge certain debts like Chapter 7 bankruptcy does. You are not free and clear a few months after filing. Chapter 13 bankruptcy is about getting more time to pay back debts; it’s often a solution for those who earn a lot of money but still cannot pay all their bills. Also, rich or not, if you fear your house will go into foreclosure, Chapter 13 bankruptcy and the court can grant you an “Automatic Stay” to buy you several months time. You still have to make your initial mortgage payment, but the repayment plan grants you several years to catch up in a fair way.
Eligibility for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
As noted earlier, businesses are not eligible to file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Businesses typically file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. However, business owners can file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy as an individual.
For individuals, the key to Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing is to show the court you have enough disposable income for the repayment plan. This means that after your allowed expenses and secured debts, you can still have enough money to complete the 3-5 year repayment plan. Your repayment plan must show how you will pay all these debts back in full, or the court will deny the filing.
Funds You Can Use for Repayment Plan
There is a variety of income you can use to fund your Chapter 13 plan. These can get complex, and that’s where professional bankruptcy lawyers can help you. You can definitely use regular wages or income from self employment, for example, and also Social Security benefits.
Other Rules of Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
You cannot owe too much money and file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. The number changes every few years, but if you have over one million dollars in debt you might have too much to file. You also must be current on income tax filings.
Hiring Counsel
Hiring a professional bankruptcy lawyer can help you navigate all these laws with ease, save your home from foreclosure, grant you time to pay back debts, and give you a fresh start.