WHAT IS CHAPTER 13?
Chapter 13 is another form of bankruptcy available to debtors and is
essentially a court-enforced reorganization of the debtor’s financial
situation.
There are a few reasons why a debtor might be better suited for a chapter
13 bankruptcy than a chapter 7. The most common reason an individual
files chapter 13 is to avoid a foreclosure on their home; Chapter 13
allows the debtor to resume making mortgage payments while the court
allows the debtor to cure the mortgage arrearage over a period of up
to five years.
Other reasons people file chapter 13 are that they are not eligible
for chapter 7 because they have filed chapter 7 in the previous 8 years,
they make too much money, or they own a piece of property that would
be in danger of being liquidated by the chapter 7 trustee.
For many people in financial distress, chapter 7 is the best alternative.
However, for some, Chapter 13 is more appropriate.
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