Are You Eligible for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Adams County, WA?

Managing Debt With Chapter 13 Bankruptcy with Legal Help

Are you eligible for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Adams County, WA? Navigating the complexities of bankruptcy can be overwhelming, but understanding your eligibility for Chapter 13 can be a crucial step toward financial recovery. 

Short Summary:

• Navigate through the complexities of Chapter 13 eligibility in Adams County, WA, an essential step towards financial recovery.
• Chapter 13 focuses on debt reorganization and creating a 3-5-year manageable repayment plan, specifically beneficial for those with regular income facing mortgage arrears, foreclosure risks, and tax debt challenges.
• Chapter 13 eligibility in Adams County covers aspects like regular income, debt limits, debt nature, and compliance with local regulations.
• Chapter 13 addresses a range of debts, including priority, secured, and unsecured, providing tailored plans and structured relief, especially for student loans.
• Certain debts, such as alimony and recent tax obligations, require strategic planning as they are not exempted in Chapter 13, emphasizing their non-dischargeable nature.
• A comprehensive step-by-step guide for Chapter 13 encompasses critical stages like consultation, credit counseling, trustee involvement, and the structured implementation of a repayment plan.
• Decisive scenarios that prompt consideration of Chapter 13 prevent foreclosure and reorganize debts to manage tax obligations and safeguard assets.

McBurney Law, your trusted legal ally in Adams County, will guide you through the process and clarify how our experienced attorney can make a significant difference in your journey to financial stability.

What is Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a unique avenue that allows individuals to reorganize their debts and create a manageable repayment plan. Unlike Chapter 7, which involves liquidating assets to discharge debts, Chapter 13 focuses more on restructuring and repaying creditors over a specified period, typically three to five years.

Chapter 13 provides a viable option for those with a regular income who want to catch up on overdue mortgage payments, prevent foreclosure, or address tax debts. It allows individuals to regain control of their finances under the bankruptcy court’s supervision.

What is Needed for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

The eligibility criteria for Chapter 13 vary, and it’s essential to understand the key factors that determine whether you qualify:

• Regular Income: Ensure you have a stable source of income, as Chapter 13 requires a viable repayment plan. If your income is above the state median, you must commit to a 5-year plan; anything below and you must commit to a 3-year plan.
• Debt Limits: Your total secured and unsecured debts must fall within specified limits to qualify for Chapter 13. Your unsecured debt must stay below $419,275, and secured debt should not exceed $1,257,850, based on 2019 limits. These limits are updated every three years.
• Types of Debts: Understand the nature of your debts, as certain obligations, like tax debts and domestic support payments, must be addressed within the repayment plan. For instance, your individual and/or business tax filings must be up-to-date.
• Local Regulations: Be aware of and comply with local regulations, especially in Adams County, WA, where nuances may impact your eligibility.
• Credit Counseling: Before filing, make sure to undergo credit counseling from an approved agency within the 180 days leading up to it.
• Customized Repayment Plan: Work with your attorney to create a comprehensive repayment plan that aligns with your financial capabilities and satisfies legal requirements.
• Negotiate with Creditors: Let your attorney negotiate with creditors on your behalf to secure favorable terms within the Chapter 13 process.
• Payment Consistency: Adhere to the specified payment schedule after the court approves your repayment plan. Failure to make these payments could lead to the dismissal of your Chapter 13 case.

What Debts are Exempted by Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, certain debts are treated differently than others. While the process allows for the restructuring and repaying of debts over a specified period, not all obligations are treated equally. Here are some essential points regarding debts that are exempted or treated differently in Chapter 13:

• Priority Debts: Certain debts, such as taxes and domestic support obligations like alimony and child support, are considered priority debts. Chapter 13 allows for including these debts in the repayment plan, ensuring they are addressed appropriately.
• Secured Debts: Chapter 13 enables debtors to tackle secured debts, like mortgages and car loans, by incorporating them into the repayment plan. That allows individuals to catch up on overdue payments and potentially reduce the debt burden.
• Unsecured Debts: Unsecured debts, like credit card balances and medical bills, may not require full repayment in Chapter 13. The repayment plan considers the debtor’s disposable income and unsecured creditors may receive only a portion of their total claim.
• Student Loans: While Chapter 13 provides a structured repayment plan for other debts, student loans are generally not dischargeable unless the debtor can demonstrate undue hardship. However, the plan may provide breathing room by consolidating multiple payments into a more manageable structure.

What Debts Are Not Exempted by Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

While Chapter 13 bankruptcy offers a structured approach to reorganizing and repaying debts, certain obligations are not exempted and must be addressed in specific ways. Here are debts not typically exempted by Chapter 13:

• Alimony and Child Support: Domestic support obligations, such as alimony and child support, are considered priority debts and must be addressed within the Chapter 13 repayment plan.
• Certain Tax Debts: While some tax debts are eligible for inclusion in the repayment plan, others may not be dischargeable. Priority tax debts and those assessed recently are generally not exempted.
• Student Loans: In most cases, Chapter 13 does not discharge student loans unless the debtor can prove undue hardship. However, the repayment plan may offer a more manageable structure for multiple payments.
• Criminal Restitution and Fines: Debts arising from criminal restitution or fines are typically non-dischargeable in Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
• Secured Debts Not Timely Addressed: If a debtor fails to make timely payments on secured debts included in the repayment plan, the creditor may have the right to foreclose or repossess collateral.
• Luxury Debts: Debts incurred for luxury goods or services shortly before filing for Chapter 13 may not be fully dischargeable.

How Do I Process Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Processing Chapter 13 bankruptcy involves several steps. Here’s a general outline of how to proceed with a Chapter 13 bankruptcy:

• Consultation with an Attorney: Schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney to assess your financial situation.
• Credit Counseling: Complete a credit counseling course from a court-approved agency within 180 days before filing.
• File Petition and Documents: Your attorney will help you prepare and file the Chapter 13 petition, plus the detailed financial information, a proposed repayment plan, and other required documents.
• Automatic Stay: Upon filing, an automatic stay is initiated, halting creditor actions like collection calls, foreclosure, and repossession.
• Chapter 13 Trustee Appointment: A Chapter 13 trustee is appointed to oversee your case. They review the repayment plan and work with your attorney and creditors.
• Creditor Meeting: Attend a meeting with creditors, where the trustee and creditors can ask questions about your finances and proposed plan.
• Confirmation Hearing: A confirmation hearing is scheduled to approve or modify the repayment plan. Creditors have the opportunity to object, and negotiations may occur.
• Repayment Plan Implementation: If the court approves the plan, start making payments according to the agreed-upon schedule.
• Financial Management Course: Complete a financial management course from an approved provider before receiving a discharge.
• Completion and Discharge: Complete the repayment plan, and the court grants a discharge of remaining eligible debts.

When Do I Need Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Considering Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a significant decision, and it’s essential to assess your financial situation carefully. You may need Chapter 13 bankruptcy when:

• Facing Foreclosure: If you risk losing your home due to mortgage arrears, Chapter 13 can provide a structured plan to catch up on missed payments and prevent foreclosure.
• Regular Income: Chapter 13 is suitable for individuals with regular income who can commit to a repayment plan. It’s an option if you don’t qualify for Chapter 7 or have assets you want to protect.
• Reorganizing Debts: If you have significant unsecured debts, such as credit card balances or medical bills, Chapter 13 allows for the reorganization and potential reduction of these debts through a court-approved plan.
• Tax Debts: Chapter 13 enables you to address particular tax debts, providing a feasible way to manage and repay these obligations.
• Non-exempt Property: If you have non-exempt property that you want to retain, Chapter 13 allows you to keep your assets while repaying creditors through the court-approved plan.
• Struggling with Priority Debts: If you have priority debts like alimony, child support, or specific tax obligations, Chapter 13 can help you address these while protecting your assets.
• Preventing Repossession: If you risk losing a vehicle due to missed payments, Chapter 13 lets you catch up on payments and avoid repossession.
• Desiring a Structured Repayment Plan: If you prefer a structured, court-approved repayment plan that spans three to five years, Chapter 13 can provide the financial stability you need.

Call Our Bankruptcy Lawyer Today!

If you find yourself asking, “Are you eligible for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Adams County, WA?” Remember that McBurney Law is here to provide the answers and guidance you need.

Bankruptcy is a complex legal process, and having an experienced attorney can make all the difference. Aside from bankruptcy, we also offer legal services on estate planning, family law and criminal defense. Give us a call today!