Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

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When does a chapter 13 bankruptcy make sense?

Financial strain can take its toll on your entire life. Financial instability complicates every decision, relationship, and situation you face.

If you're in over your head, bankruptcy may be the wise choice. If that's the case, why would you choose a Chapter 13 bankruptcy? Doesn't Chapter 7 wipe out all your debts? If you could pay them back, why wouldn't you do so instead of declaring bankruptcy?

It's true that Chapter 13 bankruptcy requires you to pay back some or all of your debt. But Chapter 13 offers advantages that may fit you best. Consider these advantages to Chapter 13 before you decide the right course for your future.

Lower Fees

Procrastination costs you money. Every …show more content…

The fees stop. The interest stops. In some cases, the court calculates the amount you have to pay minus the late fees that exist. Chapter 13 bankruptcy spells relief for your bank account with a stay on fees.

Collection Calls Cease

You don't need to cringe every time the phone rings. Once you put the wheels in motion, creditors must stop harassing you for payment. Shortly after your application, the court contacts your creditors and tells them to call off the dogs. You breathe easy.

Keep Your Property

A common misconception about bankruptcy is that you get to keep property without paying for it. While a Chapter 7 bankruptcy lets you start fresh, it does not allow you to keep property as part of the agreement. In Chapter 7, you could lose your house, car, or other property you can't afford to pay for.

In most cases, Chapter 13 offers you relief in the form of reduced debt and reduced payments. The good news is that this payment plan allows you to keep paying for your stuff instead of losing it.

Terms You Can Afford

Your income determines your payment plan. Your creditors lose the ability to impose on you unreasonable and unrealistic terms for repayment. Instead, part of your debt gets discharged after you pay what the court determines you can

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