The Chapter 13 plan is the crux of a Chapter 13 bankruptcy case. The plan lays out how much each creditor will get paid, how long the plan will last, the values of the debtor's property, and more. The plan must be confirmed by the bankruptcy court in order for the case to proceed. The bankruptcy trustee and creditors can object to various aspects of the plan.
Below you'll find articles on what debts must be paid through the plan, how much you'll have to pay each month, what happens at the plan confirmation hearing, and your options if you can't complete your plan.
Learn which debts you must pay back when you file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
In Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, your repayment plan must be confirmed before it is permanent. Here's how the confirmation hearing works.
Debts That Must Be Paid in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Payments on retirement account loans are allowable expenses in Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
"Best Effort" Requirement in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Disposable Income Test
In order to be confirmed (approved) by the court, your Chapter 13 repayment plan must represent your "best effort" at paying back your nonpriority unsecured creditors.
Unsecured Debt in Chapter 13: How Much Must You Pay?
How much you must pay to your general unsecured creditors in Chapter 13 bankruptcy depends on your disposable income and the "best interest of creditors" test.
How Long Will My Chapter 13 Plan Last?
Find out how long Chapter 13 lasts, including how many years you'll pay in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, and how to determine Chapter 13 length. Chapter 13 requires filers to propose and stick with a repayment plan that repays some creditors in full and others in part for three to five years.
Inheritances and Cash Gifts in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
If you receive an inheritance or cash gift while in Chapter 13 bankruptcy you may be required to amend your repayment plan and increase what you pay to unsecured creditors.
Can I Pay Off My Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Plan Early?
Learn when you can pay off Chapter 13 early and how much it will cost. It will likely be far more than you'd hoped. Find out how Chapter 13 bankruptcy works and your options for getting out of Chapter 13 early, including qualifying for a hardship discharge, paying everything you owe, or dismissing the case.
Options if You Can't Make Your Chapter 13 Plan Payments
Here’s what you can do if you can’t make your Chapter 13 plan payments or you need to suspend your payments for a few months.
Getting a Chapter 13 Hardship Discharge
If you can't complete your Chapter 13 repayment plan, you can file a motion with the bankruptcy court asking for a hardship discharge. Find out how to qualify for a Chapter 13 hardship discharge and erase debts without making all Chapter 13 plan payments.
Converting Your Bankruptcy Case From Chapter 13 to Chapter 7
In cases where you can no longer maintain your Chapter 13 bankruptcy plan payments, your case can be converted to a Chapter 7 and your debts discharged.
Modifying Your Chapter 13 Plan Payment
All is not lost if you can no longer afford your Chapter 13 plan payments. Learn your options when your Chapter 13 payments are too high, including modifying your Chapter 13 plan payment. Also, even though you must usually remain in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy plan for at least three to five years before receiving a discharge, you might qualify for a hardship discharge. Another option would be to convert from Chapter 13 to Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
What Happens to Chapter 13 Plan Funds—and Other Property—if I Convert to Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you make regular payments to a trustee, who then disburses the funds to your creditors.
Can I Make 401(k) Contributions During My Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?
Whether you can make 401(k) or other voluntary retirement contributions during Chapter 13 bankruptcy depends on your bankruptcy court and your individual situation.
How a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Zero Percent Plan Can Save Your Home and Car
Instead of filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, save your home and car—and wipe out other bills—by filing a Chapter 13 zero percent plan.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Keep Your Property & Repay Debts Over Time
This comprehensive guide explains the Chapter 13 process, from start to finish.
The New Bankruptcy: Will It Work for You?
Is bankruptcy the right solution for your overwhelming debts? Pick the best strategies for your situation with the information and practical suggestions in this book by best-selling author Stephen Elias.