For the most part, you get to keep your property in Chapter 13 bankruptcy. But it's not always so simple. For example, if your property secures a debt, you'll have to keep up with payments.
Below you'll find articles and links that discuss what happens to your property in Chapter 13 -- from what happens if you receive an inheritance during your plan period to how the trustee will treat your leases or unexpired contracts. You'll also find information about important types of property and the debts that are secured by that property -- such as cars, homes, and nonresidential real estate.
In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you are allowed to keep all of your property. However, if you have nonexempt assets, you may be required to pay back more of your unsecured debts through your Chapter 13 plan.
What happens if you have a lease or contract that is still in force when you file for 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.
If you receive a tax refund during a Chapter 13 bankruptcy case, the Chapter 13 trustee will likely require you to turn that money over to pay your creditors. But exceptions exist.
You might be able to avoid foreclosure by filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Sidestep the lawyers with do-it-yourself books, documents, and software.
Nolo offers hundreds of consumer-friendly, do-it-yourself legal products for all types of legal situations. Browse our full product list.
Click below to view more legal issues. Our extensive collection of legal topics ranges across different areas of practice.
Our editors have over 100 years of combined experience practicing law. These professionals have worked in a wide range of legal areas, from estate planning to criminal law to business formation and beyond. They’re experts at explaining complicated legal issues in easy-to-understand terms.
Learn more about the team that manages Nolo’s articles, books, and DIY tools.
Find an experienced, local attorney in three easy steps. Our process is designed for ease and simplicity.
Briefly tell us about your case, and provide your contact information.
We find and instantly list attorneys that can best handle your case.
Choose the attorneys you would like to work with.
At Nolo, we prioritize quality and transparency because we know how important reliable legal information is to our readers. Our information is meticulously researched, regularly updated, and written in plain English by our experienced writers and editors. Learn more about our editorial standards.
Grow your firm with Martindale-Nolo, the largest legal network, and learn more about our attorney lead-generation and marketing services.
At Nolo, we prioritize quality and transparency because we know how important reliable legal information is to our readers. Our information is meticulously researched, regularly updated, and written in plain English by our experienced writers and editors. Learn more about our editorial standards.