Also called the "wage earner's plan." A court-supervised repayment plan that lets you keep your property while catching up on missed payments over 3 to 5 years.
Chapter 13 is a legal process where you propose a plan to repay some or all of your debts over a period of 3 to 5 years. Unlike Chapter 7, you don't have to give up any property. Instead, you make monthly payments to a trustee, who distributes the money to your creditors.
The plan lasts 3 years if your income is below Florida's median, or 5 years if it's above.
The court must confirm (approve) your plan before it takes effect. Once confirmed, plan payments may be deducted from your paycheck — a practice that increases the likelihood payments will be made on time and the plan completed.
Chapter 13 makes sense when you have something to protect — a home, a car, or property you don't want to lose.
You want to catch up on missed payments and keep your home.
You want to keep your vehicle and avoid repossession.
You earn enough to make monthly plan payments to a trustee.
You own assets that Chapter 7 would require you to sell.
You don't pass the means test, but still need debt relief.
You need to repay debts (like taxes) that Chapter 7 can't eliminate.
Complete a credit counseling course within 180 days before filing. Certificate required.
Petition, schedules, statements of financial affairs, and — critically — a proposed Chapter 13 Plan setting out monthly payments.
The moment you file, an automatic stay stops most collection actions — lawsuits, garnishments, foreclosures, and creditor calls.
Held 4 to 6 weeks after filing. The trustee reviews your plan and questions you about your assets and debts.
After the 341 meeting, the trustee recommends to the judge whether your plan satisfies the Bankruptcy Code. The judge approves or requests changes.
You make monthly payments to the trustee — often deducted directly from your paycheck — for 3 to 5 years.
Required before discharge. Focuses on managing money after bankruptcy.
After successfully completing the plan, the court issues a discharge. Remaining eligible debts are eliminated.
We prepare the forms you tell us to prepare. We do not give legal advice, choose your plan terms, or represent you in court. You provide the facts — we type them accurately into the official forms.
Free evaluation. Tell us your situation.
Income, debts, assets, and plan details.
Petition, schedules, plan, and statements.
You check every page. You sign.
You file with the court yourself.
The plan lasts 3 to 5 years. You make monthly payments to the trustee during that time. After the plan is completed, remaining eligible debts are discharged.
Yes — that's one of the main reasons people choose Chapter 13. You catch up on missed mortgage payments through the plan and keep your home. The mortgage itself isn't eliminated, but the arrears are repaid over time.
The plan may need to be modified, or the case could be dismissed. If something changes in your financial situation, talk to a licensed attorney about your options — the sooner the better.
Chapter 7 is a liquidation — debts are eliminated, and non-exempt assets may be sold. Chapter 13 is a repayment plan — you keep everything and repay debts over time. See the Chapter 7 vs 13 comparison.
You must attend the 341 Meeting of Creditors. You may also need to attend a Hearing on Confirmation, where the judge approves your plan. Most hearings are brief.
Call us for a free evaluation. We'll prepare your plan forms — you file.