What Chapter 13 does
Chapter 13 reorganizes your debts into a court-approved plan. You keep your property and pay what you can afford over three to five years. At the end, most remaining qualifying unsecured debt is discharged.
When Chapter 13 is the better fit
- You are behind on your mortgage or car loan and want to keep them.
- Your income is above the Chapter 7 means test limit.
- You have property or equity that Chapter 7 would not protect.
- You have tax debts you need time to pay.
How it works with Jeff
Free consultation first, then you upload your documents electronically, then one in-person meeting to review and sign before your case is filed.
Key points
Stop a foreclosure
Filing stops a foreclosure sale while your case is open, and the plan lets you catch up missed mortgage payments over time.
Keep property you want to keep
Chapter 13 is often used when someone has more equity or income than Chapter 7 allows, or is behind on secured debt.
One monthly payment
Instead of juggling creditors, you make one plan payment to the trustee, based on what you can actually afford.
A court-approved plan to catch up
Chapter 13 is designed for individuals with regular income who want to repay all or a portion of their debts over time while protecting assets. Instead of an immediate debt discharge, it establishes a court-approved repayment plan lasting three to five years.
Chapter 13 can be especially beneficial for individuals who do not qualify for Chapter 7 or who need additional time and structure to resolve their financial obligations. Each client's situation is reviewed individually to determine whether bankruptcy is appropriate and which chapter best meets their needs.
Mortgage, vehicle and tax obligations
If you are behind on mortgage, car payments or other secured debts, Chapter 13 can help you reorganize rather than immediately eliminate your debts. It is frequently used to stop foreclosure, catch up on missed mortgage or vehicle payments, and manage tax obligations or other secured debt.
The plan allows you to consolidate debts into a monthly payment while protecting valuable property and assets. Once a repayment plan is successfully completed, remaining qualifying unsecured debt may be discharged. Jeff works with you to craft a feasible repayment plan that the court and your budget can realistically support.
Relief from collection activity
Filing for bankruptcy activates an automatic stay, which stops most collection activity. This includes creditor phone calls, lawsuits, wage garnishments, bank levies, repossessions and foreclosure actions. Bankruptcy provides a way to address debt in an orderly manner under the law.
Personal attention and reasonable fees
At The Schreiber Law Firm, every case receives personal attention from the initial consultation to final discharge. Jeff offers clear explanations, careful case evaluation and representation throughout the bankruptcy process. Because the firm operates with low overhead, reasonable fees and flexible payment options are available.
You can schedule a consultation by telephone or in person at either the El Cajon or La Jolla office. After you send the relevant documents electronically, you review and sign your petition in person before the firm files it with the court.