does my bankrupcy lawyer have to help me when i need a modification on my chapter 13

by Roselyn Dach 4 min read

If you find that you earn enough to pay a modified payment, your bankruptcy attorney can ask for it by filing a Chapter 13 modification motion. Other Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Options After a Job Loss You can ask for an early discharge based on a job loss hardship, but courts rarely grant them.

Full Answer

Can I modify my Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

However, since Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is a repayment plan over 3-to-5 years, it is possible your circumstances may change since your bankruptcy was filed. Below are five reasons to modify your Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. 1. YOUR INCOME HAS CHANGED Be careful, this reason cuts both ways.

Do I need a chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer?

The Chapter 13 bankruptcy process is much more complex than a Chapter 7 case and more than 97% of all Chapter 13 cases filed without an attorney (“pro se”) are dismissed by the court. [ 1] Having a bankruptcy lawyer by your side as you navigate a Chapter 13 case is usually worth the investment.

Can I get a loan modification during bankruptcy?

Can I Get a Loan Modification During Bankruptcy? It is possible to receive a loan modification during both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. This would allow you to modify your loans and emerge from bankruptcy with an intact and current mortgage and fewer debts to pay.

What happens to your mortgage when you file Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

For example, if you are catching up on your mortgage through a Chapter 13, and make an extra payment or two outside of the bankruptcy, then you can modify the plan to pay less to the mortgage company. Otherwise, the mortgage company would double collect. 4. YOU HAD CHILDREN. Everyone knows that children are expensive.

Can a Chapter 13 plan be modified?

Chapter 13 Plan Modification: Timing You can modify your plan both before and after confirmation. Modification before confirmation. Depending on the case or the court, it can take anywhere from two months to over a year before the court confirms your case.

Can you restructure a Chapter 13?

Generally, a bankruptcy cannot be modified after it is filed. However, since Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is a repayment plan over 3-to-5 years, it is possible your circumstances may change since your bankruptcy was filed.

Can Chapter 13 payments be reduced?

If your income goes down during your Chapter 13 bankruptcy and you can no longer afford your monthly plan payment, you can ask the court to modify your Chapter 13 repayment plan and reduce your payment amount.

Can you modify mortgage Chapter 13?

Even though you're paying mortgage arrearages through a Chapter 13 plan, you can still work with your lender to modify your mortgage. It's not at all unusual for a borrower to file a Chapter 13 case to stop a foreclosure and then apply to the mortgage company to modify the terms of the loan.

How can I get out of Chapter 13 early?

First, you'll need to formally request an early payoff from all of your creditors and get the court to approve the request. From there, creditors can either accept or reject your request. In most situations, creditors will object to your paying Chapter 13 bankruptcy off early because it goes against the repayment plan.

What is a hardship discharge in a Chapter 13?

A hardship discharge is a discharge the court grants you before you complete all of the required payments under your Chapter 13 repayment plan.

How many payments can you miss in Chapter 13?

Missing a Chapter 13 payment is a serious issue. At the same time, very few bankruptcy trustees are going to file a motion to dismiss against you over a single late payment. As a general rule, it takes two or three missed payments before action is taken to default a Chapter 13 plan.

What is the average monthly payment for Chapter 13?

about $500 to $600 per monthThe average payment for a Chapter 13 case overall is probably about $500 to $600 per month. This information, however, may not be very helpful for your particular situation. It takes into account a large number of low payment amounts where low income debtors are paying very little back.

What is an amended Chapter 13 plan?

In a recent case, the chapter 13 plan was amended over six times. Each time a plan is amended, notice gets sent to all the creditors, the trustee, and the debtor. Each time a plan is amended, the trustee must examine and review the plan for confirmation and feasibility.

What happens if you get behind on your mortgage after you file a Chapter 13?

If at any time during your Chapter 13 case, you fail to pay your monthly mortgage obligation (either inside or outside the plan), your lender can seek court permission to foreclose on your house. (Read Options if You Can't Make Your Chapter 13 Plan Payments if you find yourself falling behind on your repayment plan.)

Does Chapter 13 get rid of second mortgage?

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy can remove the second mortgage and even a third mortgage off your home. In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy section 506(a) allows your second mortgage to be stripped off your home and be treated as unsecured debt.

What happens to my mortgage after Chapter 13 discharge?

Mortgage Payments After a Chapter 13 Plan The lien allows the lender to foreclose on your home if you miss a payment. Simply completing your Chapter 13 repayment plan and getting a discharge won't get rid of the first mortgage lender's lien on your home. Find out more about releasing a lien in bankruptcy.

What happens if you file Chapter 13 as a single person?

If you started the Chapter 13 bankruptcy as a single person and then got married while the case was active, there are several possible outcomes. Your household income increases because you now have a second worker to share expenses, or your household income decreases because the new spouse has little or no income.

How does Chapter 13 work?

Everyone knows that children are expensive. Chapter 13 looks at the debtor’s household income and expenses to decide what the payment should be . If your household size increases, then your expenses will increase also.

What happens if your income increases in Chapter 13?

Conversely, if your income increases, then the Chapter 13 trustee can ask you to increase the monthly payment. The trustee asks for your tax returns every year to check for this. 2. YOU NEED TO BUY HEALTH INSURANCE.

Does Chapter 13 end automatically?

When a married couple files for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, and then gets divorced, the Chapter 13 does not end automatically. It continues jointly with both spouses still participating. As long as one or both spouses makes all of the payments due under the plan, then both spouses will get the discharge, and the case will be successful.

Can you lower your health insurance payments in Chapter 13?

The bankruptcy code specifies that Chapter 13 debtors can lower their payments by the actual amount needed to purchase health insurance, if the premiums are not unreasonably high, and are similar to what other people pay for health insurance , or what the debtor has paid for health insurance in the past. 3.

Can you modify a Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

Five Reasons You Can Modify Your Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. Generally, a bankruptcy cannot be modified after it is filed. However, since Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is a repayment plan over 3-to-5 years, it is possible your circumstances may change since your bankruptcy was filed.

Can a Chapter 13 plan change how much money is going to creditors?

Chapter 13 debtors can modify their plans to change how much money is going to certain creditors based on payments made to those creditors outside of the Chapter 13 plan.

Why do I need to modify my Chapter 13?

The following are some of the most common reasons you may need to modify your plan: job loss. pay cut or other reduction in income. increased expenses.

What happens if you file Chapter 13?

When you file your Chapter 13 case, the judge, the bankruptcy trustee, and your creditors all get a chance to review your proposed plan. If the trustee or one of your creditors doesn't agree with the terms of your plan, it can file an objection to confirmation (approval) of the plan. The terms of your plan are finalized only ...

How long is Chapter 13 repayment?

Because most Chapter 13 plans are three to five years long, many things can happen during that time that can make your plan unworkable. But you may be able to modify the terms of your plan to fit your changed circumstances.

How to modify a plan after confirmation?

If the court has already confirmed your plan, you will typically have to ask the court to modify your plan by filing a motion and obtaining a hearing date. When you file your motion to modify, you will have to explain why you need to change the terms of your plan.

How long does a Chapter 13 bankruptcy last?

But your plan can't last longer than five years from the date you filed your case.

Can you lower your credit card payment?

In most cases, you can lower your payment by reducing or eliminating the amount you were paying to nonpriority unsecured creditors (such as credit card companies). But you may not be able to reduce your payment if your plan is only paying priority creditors.

Do I need to file an amended plan with the court?

But in most cases, you will simply need to file an amended plan with the court and provide a copy to your creditors and the trustee, giving them a chance to review it and file objections if they wish to do so.

What is bankruptcy code?

Since you are in an active bankruptcy, the bankruptcy code protects you from being contacted by any creditors. This protection limits the contact between the debtor and creditor, but allows for mediation by an attorney. The release form will allow you to work directly with the mortgage institute. Once the mortgage company has received ...

How long does it take for a loan modification to be approved?

It may take up to 30 days before you will receive a response from the Bankruptcy Court.

What happens if you fall behind on your mortgage payments?

If you fall behind on your payments to the Court, your case will be dismissed and you will no longer be under the protection of the Bankruptcy laws. Once you have heard from the mortgage company, you will contact your attorney again.

Can I get a modification on my mortgage loan while in bankruptcy?

Can I Get A Loan Modification While In A Chapter 13 Bankruptcy? Yes, you may. Please contact your bankruptcy attorney and request a release form allowing the mortgage company to discuss your loan with you. Since you are in an active bankruptcy, the bankruptcy code protects you from being contacted by any creditors.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy's automatic stay goes into effect when you file for Chapter 13. This prevents your lender from conducting collection activity – including foreclosing on your home – while your bankruptcy case is active. Chapter 13 bankruptcy does not, however, absolve you of your responsibility to pay your mortgage in full each month.

Reaffirming Your Mortgage

Federal law limits Chapter 13 bankruptcy to no more than five years. Depending on the amount of debt you carry and your income, it may not be possible for you to pay off everything you owe in five years. Provided you adhere to the terms of your plan, the court will generally discharge any remaining debt after five years.

Repayment Plan Modification

If your lender approves your request for a mortgage modification, your mortgage payments will decrease and you will have more disposable income available each month. Should this occur, you must immediately notify the bankruptcy trustee of the change in your financial situation.

Converting Your Bankruptcy

If your modification efforts fall through or the process takes too long, you may not have the necessary income to make your mortgage payment in full. If you can't meet basic payment requirements, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy won't work for you – but a Chapter 7 might.

How long does a Chapter 13 bankruptcy last?

When you file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you enter into a repayment plan that lasts between three and five years. You use your income to make plan payments to the bankruptcy trustee, usually on a monthly basis. The amount of your payments depend on your "disposable income.". The trustee then repays your creditors -- in part or in full depending on ...

What is Chapter 13 debt?

Chapter 13 is designed to give you the opportunity to repay your debts based on the disposable income (i.e. income left over after paying your expenses) that you have available to you.

What happens if you make a payment during the plan period?

If you make plan payments during the entire duration of your plan period, then many of your remaining debts will be discharged (wiped out) at the end of your case ( not all types of debts can be discharged, however).

Can bankruptcy court modify repayment plan?

The bankruptcy system understands that and has created flexibility in the law that allows for bankruptcy courts to modify repayment plans when necessary and when circumstances change. If you still have enough income to make plan payments, your bankruptcy attorney can ask the court to change your plan payment amount.

Do unsecured creditors receive less money?

While the same general rules will be in place regarding full payment of secured debts (as well as full payment of certain other debts such as child support payments), the low-priority unsecured creditors will simply receive less money under the new repayment structure than they would have had the job loss not occurred.

What happens when you file Chapter 13?

When you file under Chapter 13, you propose a repayment plan for your debts. You make a payment each month to a Chapter 13 trustee who pays your creditors according to the terms in the Chapter 13 plan. The amount of your Chapter 13 plan payment depends on several factors. Only certain debts - like mortgages - may be paid directly while ...

How long does a Chapter 13 bankruptcy last?

In some cases, you may pay some creditors outside of the plan, such as your mortgage payment. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy lasts anywhere from 3 - 5 years.

Why are Chapter 13 cases dismissed?

There are several reasons why a Chapter 13 case can be dismissed. Some are the same as for Chapter 7 cases. Things like not paying the court filing fee, not properly preparing for and attending the meeting of creditors, and not filing all required bankruptcy forms. Other reasons why a Chapter 13 bankruptcy case may be dismissed are: 1 Failing to pay the Chapter 13 payments 2 Failing to meet certain deadlines 3 Failing to propose a Chapter 13 plan that complies with bankruptcy law 4 Failing to submit the required documentation to the Chapter 13 trustee 5 Failing to file tax returns every year and submitting a copy to the trustee

How long does it take to get out of Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

In a typical no-asset Chapter 7 case, you can eliminate your debts within four to six months after filing your bankruptcy petition with the bankruptcy court.

What are the activities of a Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

Collection activities may include collection letters, debt collection lawsuits, wage garnishments, repossessions, and foreclosures. The only way to stop creditors from taking action to collect a debt after a dismissed Chapter 13 case is to pay the debt or re-file a new bankruptcy case.

What happens when you file bankruptcy?

While you are in a bankruptcy case, you are protected by the automatic stay. Creditors are prohibited by the bankruptcy stay from taking any actions to collect a debt without court approval. Once a bankruptcy case is dismissed, the automatic stay is no longer in effect.

Is Chapter 13 bankruptcy more complex than Chapter 7?

The Chapter 13 bankruptcy process is much more complex than a Chapter 7 case and more than 97% of all Chapter 13 cases filed without an attorney (“pro se”) are dismissed by the court. [ 1] . Having a bankruptcy lawyer by your side as you navigate a Chapter 13 case is usually worth the investment.

What do you need to do if you file for bankruptcy?

If you filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you will have to complete the payments outlined in your repayment plan. Additionally, you will also have to comply with the following before you can receive a discharge: Certify that you have paid all the domestic support obligations that apply to you. Complete a course in financial management.

What debts are not discharged in Chapter 13?

Some of the debts that will not be discharged include: Child support and alimony payments. Student loans.

What is Chapter 13 discharge?

The Chapter 13 debt discharge is basically a process whereby the debtor submits a plan to repay debts in exchange for forgiveness of certain debts and legal safeguards against repossession or foreclosure of their property. Shortly after you file for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you will prepare a plan to repay your debts (the Chapter 13 repayment plan).

What happens after you make all the payments laid out in your repayment plan?

After you have made all the payments laid out in your repayment plan, the bankruptcy judge will enter a Chapter 13 discharge order. This article provides an overview of how a Chapter 13 debt discharge works.

What are the benefits of Chapter 13?

After you finalize the payment outlined in your payment plan, you will get a Chapter 13 discharge. What this means is all your debts will be discharged with a few exceptions. Some of the debts that will not be discharged include: 1 Child support and alimony payments 2 Student loans 3 Certain taxes 4 Debts that arose from death or personal injury caused by driving under the influence of drugs or while intoxicated 5 Debts for restitution 6 Criminal fines 7 Debts with long-term obligations like a mortgage

What can a lawyer do for you?

A lawyer can help you sort out your rights and simplify the process of identifying and satisfying your various obligations. Learn how an experienced, local bankruptcy attorney can help you successfully put your financial woes behind you. You Don’t Have To Solve This on Your Own – Get a Lawyer’s Help.

Can a debtor be discharged for hardship?

In such situations, the debtor may be entitled to a hardship discharge.

What happens when you file Chapter 13?

When you start a Chapter 13 case, you file a packet of documents with the court. One of those documents is your proposed Chapter 13 plan. At this point, your proposed plan is temporary until the court, trustee, and your creditors have a chance to review and object to it if they wish. If no one objects or all objections get resolved, then the court will "confirm" (finalize) your plan.

What happens if you fail to make payment to Chapter 13?

After you file your Chapter 13 case, you must begin making monthly plan payments to your bankruptcy trustee —even before confirmation (approval) of the plan. If you fail to make timely plan payments at any point, then your matter will likely get dismissed by the court.

How to meet the best interests of creditors test?

Also, you'll have to meet "best interests of creditors" test by showing that you've paid your unsecured creditors at least as much as they would have received had you filed a Chapter 7 case. You'll pass the test if all of your property is exempt.

How much did Ashley pay in Chapter 13?

Therefore, before she could get a hardship discharge, her Chapter 13 plan payments needed to be enough to pay unsecured creditor claims at least $10,000 total.

What debts are eliminated in bankruptcy?

Although most general unsecured debts get eliminated, you'll likely remain liable for other claims, including: priority claims. secured debts (including past due payments) debts not listed in the bankruptcy paperwork. student loans. most federal, state, and local taxes, plus any amounts borrowed to pay those taxes.

How long does it take to get a modification before the court confirms your case?

Modification before confirmation. Depending on the case or the court, it can take anywhere from two months to over a year before the court confirms your case. If your circumstances change during this time, you can explain your situation and file an amended plan for the trustee and your creditors to consider.

What to do if a modification doesn't work?

If you can't complete your plan payments because of some event that's beyond your control, you might want to convert your case to a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. But sometimes it isn't feasible. Another option is to request a "hardship discharge" by filing a motion with the bankruptcy court.