A chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney is the person to call for professional assistance in deciding to go bankrupt and how the whole process works. The attorney will work with clients so that filing will help them rehabilitate their credit through the restrictions and limitations of the court. When filing, debtors pay off some debts, but it is on much better terms, i.e., lower or no interest. Also, clients don't have to sell assets under a Chapter 13 if they are working and can make payments. The United States Code allows up to five years to pay off creditors, and the process is completely supervised by the court. The chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney will make sure the debtor's interests are protected.
"The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever" (Psalm 37:29). Despite the fact that our earthly possessions mean little in the long run, the debtor is allowed to keep all of his property under Chapter 13. Currently, a bankruptcy lawyer will take into account the debtor's regular monthly payments such as house and car notes, and utilities when deciding what the monthly payments will be. After the attorney has worked out a plan with the court, the client begins making payments 30 to 45 days after the case begins. Payments are made to the trustee who has been appointed by the court, and he disburses the funds to the creditors. The creditors are required by law to strictly follow the terms of the repayment plan. They can no longer look to the debtor directly for payment. After the payment plan is filed, there will be a confirmation hearing before a judge. Clients may appear at the hearing, and if they have a problem with the plan, objections are permitted. The judge will hear both sides before confirming the plan. Once the plan is confirmed, payments can begin.
The ability to make the monthly payments is a necessary part of a Chapter 13, so the client must be gainfully employed, or at least have prospects of future income. Those who need to file because of job loss and trouble finding employment may have to file under Chapter 7, or find some other way out of indebtedness, such as consolidation or an equity loan. When consulting a Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney, he will lay out the options and will know his client's ability to obtain new loans or credit without the court's permission. The debtor's bank may be one of those which offers "secured" credit cards, those with a certain amount of money put on it by the cardholder. Two years after going bankrupt, clients will once again be eligible for mortgage loans on the same terms as someone who never filed for bankruptcy with a bankruptcy lawyer.
When the new rules for filing are in place, the plan will be based on total income, without the payments mentioned above being a consideration. This is going to make it harder to file unless the debtor's income is below the local poverty level. It may require the client to sell their house and car, and move to a less expensive neighborhood in order to meet the debt payback requirements. Consultation with a Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney will provide the details about filing before the new rules go into effect, and what to expect if debtors wait.
Any bankruptcy lawyer will say that any of the chapters should be a last resort, because it is there to allow debtors to get out from under and make a fresh start. Although the record of going bankrupt stays on a credit report for ten years, it won't be that long before filers can get credit again. The more time that passes afterward, the better the chances for obtaining credit. It is expected that after filing, filers will be more careful with managing debt in the future. However, should filers find difficulty again, they are allowed to file for protection again in six years.
There are some important facts a good bankruptcy lawyer will point out concerning the process: Clients get legal protection from creditors; most of debt can be eliminated; financial ruin can be stopped, enabling a fresh start. The counselor will also say that debtors will still have some debt to pay, will have to go to court, and the disadvantages to not filing. Filers can find a local law firm either on the Internet or in the local telephone book. Asking around if friends and family can recommend one is also a good idea. Most options are reputable, but debtors need to be sure that the counselor is licensed and has a solid reputation. Before taking any action toward bankruptcy, filers should consult with a good Chapter 13 law office to determine if this is the best action for the particular situation.
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