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Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Manhattan Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Lawyer

Secure Your Financial Future with Manhattan's Bankruptcy Experts

If you are struggling to pay back your creditors and do not expect things to change, filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy may be a good option for you. Some people prefer to file this type of bankruptcy because it allows you to keep more assets than a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. However, there are some minimum requirements that must be met.

Law Office of Julio E. Portilla, P.C. is here to help you get relief from your debts in the manner that is right for your specific situation. We offer a free initial consultation with our Manhattan Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney so that we can better understand your circumstances and give you personalized advice about the right path forward.

Seeking debt relief in Queens and Brooklyn? Contact us at (917) 909-6166 or fill out our online form for a no-cost consultation.

What Is Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Chapter 13, also referred to as a reorganization bankruptcy or a “wage earner plan,” involves the reorganization of a debtor’s financial affairs. The goal is to create a payment plan for the benefit of the creditors while protecting the debtor from foreclosure, garnishment, levy, or similar consequences. The plan period will vary from three to five years, depending upon whether your income is generally above or below the median income.

What Qualifies You for Chapter 13 in NY?

In order to qualify for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the debtor must have an income that exceeds the debtor's reasonable living expenses, as the debtor must have sufficient means to provide repayment to creditors of past debts. In some cases, repayment may be for the full amount of the debt, while in others the debtor may pay off only a small percentage of certain debts – perhaps as little as 10%. 

Key eligibility factors include: 

  • Provable Income: You must have a regular source of income that enables you to make monthly payments towards your debt repayment plan.
  • Debt Thresholds: Your unsecured debts should be less than $419,275, and your secured debts should be less than $1,257,850.
  • Reside, have a domicile, a place of business, or property in the U.S., or a municipality
  • Pre-filing Credit Counseling: Before filing, you must complete a credit counseling course from an approved agency.

The Chapter 13 bankruptcy tends to be favored by debtors who have fallen behind on secured loan payments, such as mortgages and car loans, as it enables the debtor to keep possession of the property while catching up on payments through a court-approved repayment plan. It may also be preferred by a debtor who has the valuable non-exempt property that would be liquidated in the course of Chapter 7.

Step-by-Step Guide to Filing Chapter 13 in NY

Filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in New York involves several key steps. 

Essential steps include:

  • Legal Consultation: Engage with a knowledgeable attorney to navigate the process, manage paperwork, and offer legal counsel.
  • Documentation Preparation: Collect financial details and complete the necessary forms for Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing.
  • Submission of Paperwork: Your attorney will ensure all documents are accurately completed and filed within deadlines.
  • Repayment Plan Development: Propose a feasible plan to repay a portion of your debts over three to five years.
  • Bankruptcy Eligibility Confirmation: Verify that you meet all the requirements for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing in New York.
  • Bankruptcy Course Completion: You may need to complete an educational course to confirm bankruptcy is the right choice for you.

Bankruptcy laws can be intricate and vary by individual situations, making professional legal guidance essential.

Informative Bankruptcy Resources and Articles

Learn more about managing living expenses during Chapter 13.

Ready to tackle your debt? Connect with a Chapter 13 attorney at Law Office of Julio E. Portilla, P.C.. Dial (917) 909-6166 or reach out through our online form for expert guidance.

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What Is Considered Reasonable/Allowable Living Expenses?

Allowable living expenses under Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 refer to a person's most basic expenses, such as their rent/mortgage, utilities, and day-to-day expenses. These expenses can be deducted from your regular income when helping you determine whether you qualify for the Means Test, or when structuring your Chapter 13 payment plans.

Reasonable living expenses can be quite extensive, and may include:

  • Mortgage or rent, including home repair/maintenance costs
  • Utilities, water, trash, and sewer
  • Cable, cell phone, and internet
  • Medical, Dental, Auto, and Life insurance
  • Transportation/vehicle costs
  • Alimony, child support, and child-related expenses
  • Personal care, such as grooming, clothing, laundry
  • Employment expenses
  • Taxes that are not dischargeable in bankruptcy
  • Student loans and educational expenses

Can I Keep My Car or Home?

This form of bankruptcy may allow individuals to keep a home or car even if they have become seriously delinquent on the loans. At the end of a successful bankruptcy, most debts are extinguished through a discharge of debts.

Because you are allowed to keep all of your property, the courts create a new plan that allows you to pay your obligations without incurring interest. During the proceedings, a written plan is drafted that details the repayments and their duration. Usually, repayment begins within 30 to 45 days after the initial filings, and monthly payments are made to the court-appointed trustee. The trustee then disburses the money according to the plan.

How Are Chapter 13 Payment Plans Calculated?

All Chapter 13 filings must include a monthly payment plan that shows how you will repay your debts over time.

Your Chapter 13 monthly payments are determined using a variety of factors, including:

  • Disposable income: This is determined by taking your total income and subtracting your necessary expenses. For most people, their disposable income will be their monthly payment.
  • Amount of debts: You will need to add up all of your debts, including priority debts, and divide by the number of months in your plan.
  • Length of plan: Payment plans typically range from three to five years. 
    • If your income is less than the state's median income, you will have a three-year plan. 
    • If your income is higher, your plan will be five years.
  • Assets you are keeping: If you choose to keep your home or car, you must have enough income to repay any past-due amount and keep up with current payments.

Your attorney can help you analyze your financial situation and help you come up with a manageable payment plan that allows you to comfortably repay your debts.

Contact Our Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Lawyers

If you're feeling the weight of overwhelming debt and reside in Manhattan, hiring a Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer near you can provide you with a clear path toward financial stability. With the assistance of an experienced Manhattan Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer at the Law Office of Julio E. Portilla, P.C you'll have access to expert legal advice, personalized repayment plans, and effective guidance throughout the bankruptcy process. By working with an attorney, you'll be able to protect your assets, stop creditor harassment, and begin rebuilding your financial future. 

Don't hesitate any longer - take action today by contacting a Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer in Manhattan to schedule a consultation and get started on your journey toward financial freedom.

Related Blog: Tips for Refinancing After a Chapter 13

Get the Reliable Representation You Deserve

The Law Office of Julio E. Portilla, P.C.., is dedicated to your bankruptcy case, and you can rest assured that we provide personal and aggressive representation. We also strive to maintain open lines of communication at all times. If you would like more information, please feel free to contact us today.

Call our Manhattan bankruptcy lawyer at (917) 909-6166 to schedule your free consultation. 

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