{"id":3377,"date":"2020-10-07T11:11:50","date_gmt":"2020-10-07T11:11:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/?p=3377"},"modified":"2020-10-07T11:11:50","modified_gmt":"2020-10-07T11:11:50","slug":"10-steps-to-file-bankruptcy-chapter-13","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/10-steps-to-file-bankruptcy-chapter-13\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Steps to File Bankruptcy Chapter 13"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Filing bankruptcy can be daunting especially for those struggling with debt but have valuable property they don\u2019t want to give up. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy may give you the fresh start you\u2019re looking for while protecting your valuable assets. It\u2019s a consumer bankruptcy that will reorganize your debts in a repayment plan spanning three to five years. This guide takes you through the steps to prepare for a bankruptcy filing, go through the proceeding, and receive your bankruptcy discharge.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Prepare_your_bankruptcy_petition\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prepare your bankruptcy petition<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6627864165332\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6627864165332\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/10-steps-to-file-bankruptcy-chapter-13\/#Prepare_your_bankruptcy_petition\" title=\"Prepare your bankruptcy petition\">Prepare your bankruptcy petition<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/10-steps-to-file-bankruptcy-chapter-13\/#1_Make_sure_you_qualify_to_file_for_bankruptcy_Chapter_13\" title=\"1. Make sure you qualify to file for bankruptcy Chapter 13.\">1. Make sure you qualify to file for bankruptcy Chapter 13.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/10-steps-to-file-bankruptcy-chapter-13\/#2_Evaluate_your_disposable_income_and_personal_property\" title=\"2. Evaluate your disposable income and personal property.\">2. Evaluate your disposable income and personal property.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/10-steps-to-file-bankruptcy-chapter-13\/#3_Fill-out_your_bankruptcy_forms\" title=\"3. Fill-out your bankruptcy forms.\">3. Fill-out your bankruptcy forms.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/10-steps-to-file-bankruptcy-chapter-13\/#4_Take_a_credit_counseling_course\" title=\"4. Take a credit counseling course.\">4. Take a credit counseling course.<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/10-steps-to-file-bankruptcy-chapter-13\/#Start_your_bankruptcy_proceedings\" title=\"Start your bankruptcy proceedings\">Start your bankruptcy proceedings<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/10-steps-to-file-bankruptcy-chapter-13\/#5_File_your_petition_for_bankruptcy\" title=\"5. File your petition for bankruptcy.\">5. File your petition for bankruptcy.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/10-steps-to-file-bankruptcy-chapter-13\/#6_Send_the_requested_paperwork_to_your_case_trustee\" title=\"6. Send the requested paperwork to your case trustee.\">6. Send the requested paperwork to your case trustee.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/10-steps-to-file-bankruptcy-chapter-13\/#7_Attend_your_bankruptcy_hearing\" title=\"7. Attend your bankruptcy hearing.\">7. Attend your bankruptcy hearing.<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/10-steps-to-file-bankruptcy-chapter-13\/#Complete_your_repayment_plan\" title=\"Complete your repayment plan\">Complete your repayment plan<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/10-steps-to-file-bankruptcy-chapter-13\/#8_Start_making_payments\" title=\"8. Start making payments.\">8. Start making payments.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/10-steps-to-file-bankruptcy-chapter-13\/#9_Complete_the_debtor_education_course\" title=\"9. Complete the debtor education course.\">9. Complete the debtor education course.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/10-steps-to-file-bankruptcy-chapter-13\/#10_Get_your_bankruptcy_discharge\" title=\"10. Get your bankruptcy discharge.\">10. Get your bankruptcy discharge.<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Make_sure_you_qualify_to_file_for_bankruptcy_Chapter_13\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Make sure you qualify to file for bankruptcy Chapter 13.<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gathering the necessary documents will take some time, so it\u2019s important to make sure that you are eligible for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy before doing so. As long as a debtor doesn\u2019t exceed the limits for various types of debt, they are eligible to declare bankruptcy for Chapter 13. If you\u2019re unsure whether Chapter 13 is for you, talk to a <\/span><b>bankruptcy lawyer<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> about debt-settlement and other types of bankruptcy you can consider.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Evaluate_your_disposable_income_and_personal_property\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Evaluate your disposable income and personal property.<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Petitioners should have a list of the property owned to know how much you\u2019ll be able to keep after bankruptcy, and whether you need to repay lenders for a nonexempt property you wish to keep. Since bankruptcy laws require some debts to be paid in full, it\u2019s important to analyze your living expenses and monthly income to gauge whether debt-repayment is feasible for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Fill-out_your_bankruptcy_forms\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Fill-out your bankruptcy forms.<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3383\" src=\"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/bankruptcy-chapter-13-2-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"bankruptcy chapter 13\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/bankruptcy-chapter-13-2-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/bankruptcy-chapter-13-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/bankruptcy-chapter-13-2-400x266.jpg 400w, https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/bankruptcy-chapter-13-2-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/bankruptcy-chapter-13-2-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/bankruptcy-chapter-13-2.jpg 626w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>The official court forms require debtors to provide bankruptcy information about your case. This includes a list of all secured debts and unsecured debts of the petitioner, the amount owed to claimholders, the property you claim to have bankruptcy protection, bank statements, and other documents that paint a picture of your financial situation. Since this process is extensive, consult with a <\/span><b>bankruptcy attorney<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or hire a bankruptcy petition preparer to ensure your paperwork is complete.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Take_a_credit_counseling_course\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Take a credit counseling course.<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking a pre-filing course is mandatory in filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Upon completion, you\u2019ll be given a certificate which you will have to submit along with your petition in bankruptcy.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Start_your_bankruptcy_proceedings\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start your bankruptcy proceedings<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_File_your_petition_for_bankruptcy\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. File your petition for bankruptcy.<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once bankruptcy petitions are filed to the bankruptcy court and filing fees have been paid, the bankruptcy process has started. A temporary debt relief called automatic stay takes effect once the bankruptcy was filed. This can stop foreclosure proceedings and stops debt collectors and collection agencies from pursuing you while the case is ongoing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Send_the_requested_paperwork_to_your_case_trustee\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Send the requested paperwork to your case trustee.<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After filing bankruptcy, a trustee is assigned to a bankruptcy case to verify the information you provided in the petition. Trustees may request you for supporting documentation, so make sure to submit these to avoid delays in the bankruptcy procedure.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Attend_your_bankruptcy_hearing\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. Attend your bankruptcy hearing.<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are two court hearings in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy: the meeting of creditors and the confirmation hearing. In the meeting with creditors, the trustee in bankruptcy reviews your paperwork and payment plan and allows your creditors to ask questions. Afterward, a bankruptcy judge decides whether or to confirm the plan, taking into account the arguments presented and the objections filed beforehand.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Complete_your_repayment_plan\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complete your repayment plan<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Start_making_payments\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8. Start making payments.<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once your repayment plan is confirmed, you should start to pay off your debts based on the terms of your plan. If this is not done within 30 days or you have missed payments, then your case may be dismissed in court.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Complete_the_debtor_education_course\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9. Complete the debtor education course.<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before completing your debt repayment plan, you should take a post-filing course. Debtor education courses are mandatory because you will need the certificate for the next step.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Get_your_bankruptcy_discharge\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10. Get your bankruptcy discharge.<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you have paid in full according to your repayment plan, your debts will be discharged. The discharge removes your liabilities for qualifying debts, but not for unsecured debts that are exempt, such as alimony, child support, tax debts, and student loans.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you considering bankruptcy in Arizona to deal with overwhelming debt? Call <\/span><b>Phoenix Fresh Start Bankruptcy Attorneys, PLLC<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> today to discuss your debt relief options and get the legal assistance you need to get back on the road to financial success.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Filing bankruptcy can be daunting especially for those struggling with debt but have valuable property they don\u2019t want to give up. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy may give you the fresh start you\u2019re looking for while protecting your valuable assets. It\u2019s a consumer bankruptcy that will reorganize your debts in a repayment plan spanning three to five years. This guide takes you through the steps to prepare for a bankruptcy filing, go through the proceeding, and receive your bankruptcy discharge. Prepare [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3379,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1457],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3377"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3377"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3377\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3379"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3377"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3377"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3377"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}