Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a type of bankruptcy that provides debt relief for folks who make too much money to qualify for Chapter 7 or want to protect certain property they might lose in a Chapter 7. Learn how it works to find out if it’s right for you.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy allows you to pay as much as your budget can handle, instead of trying to keep up with each creditors’ minimum monthly payments. But Chapter 13 isn’t right for everyone. Learn how Chapter 13 bankruptcy can help you, when it may be a better option to accomplish your goals, and why it’s probably a bad idea for most.
This page is a hub for people that need debt relief and are considering a Chapter 13 bankruptcy solution.
Filter by content also tagged as:
Why Is Chapter 13 Probably a Bad Idea?
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated August 19, 2025
Chapter 13 can be a helpful way for some people to reorganize and repay their debts. It’s often used by homeowners or people who own expensive property or assets they want to hang on to. But Chapter 13 requires a 3–5-year repayment plan, and many people aren’t able to successfully complete that plan. Also, it’s really difficult to file Chapter 13 successfully without a lawyer.
Read More →Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: What’s the Difference?
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated August 13, 2025
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy are the two most common types of personal bankruptcy filings. Chapter 7 bankruptcy can wipe out unsecured debts like credit card debt and medical bills in just 3-4 months. Though the filing can stay on your credit report for 10 years. You must pass a means test and meet certain criteria to qualify for Chapter 7. Chapter 13 takes longer — usually 3-5 years — because filers are on a repayment plan. After the plan is up, any remaining unsecured debt is discharged. Chapter 7 can stay on your credit report for up to 7 years. Some filers choose Chapter 13 because they don’t qualify for Chapter 7 or because they own certain assets they want to protect. Even though there are differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, each one grants the filer a fresh financial start in the form of a bankruptcy discharge — a court order that relieves you of your debt and bans creditors from trying to collect from you on this debt.
Read More →What Happens When a Chapter 13 Case Is Dismissed?
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated August 7, 2025
When a Chapter 13 bankruptcy is dismissed, your case ends without any debts being discharged, and you lose the protection provided by the bankruptcy court. This means creditors can start or resume collection activities against you, such as wage garnishments, lawsuits, or foreclosure proceedings. Payments you made toward your Chapter 13 repayment plan won’t be refunded, and your debts will revert to what you owed before filing, minus any payments made during the case. Additionally, the dismissal will be noted on your credit report, which can negatively affect your credit score.
Read More →How To Convert Chapter 13 Bankruptcy to Chapter 7 & What To Expect
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated March 25, 2025
If you can no longer afford your Chapter 13 repayment plan, you may be able to convert to Chapter 7 for faster debt relief. The process is usually simple. You file a Notice of Conversion with the court, pay a $25 fee, and, once your case is converted, attend a new 341 meeting, Your Chapter 7 discharge typically happens about 60 days later, assuming no creditor objects. Switching chapters can affect your property, secured debts, and exemptions, so it’s important to understand the pros and cons. This guide explains how to convert, who qualifies, and what happens after the switch.
Read More →Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Everything You Need To Know
Written by Ben Jackson. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated August 19, 2025
Chapter 13 bankruptcy is the second most common type of personal bankruptcy after Chapter 7. You’ll need to take several steps to file Chapter 13, and after you file your case you’ll stick with a 3–5-year repayment plan to get a successful discharge. Because Chapter 13 is complicated, it’s advisable to hire a bankruptcy attorney to help you file your case. Most people who represent themselves in Chapter 13 cases aren’t successful.
Read More →Chapter 13 and Your Credit Report: What You Need to Know
Written by Attorney Karra Kingston. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated August 6, 2025
Bankruptcy provides relief to those who can’t afford to pay their debts as they come due. Oftentimes folks filing bankruptcy have fallen behind on their debt payments and their credit score has already taken the hit. But, that’s not always the case and this is especially true for folks filing Chapter 13 to reorganize their debt, rather than eliminate it completely through Chapter 7 bankruptcy. This article will explore the effect of Chapter 13 bankruptcy on your credit report and credit score.
Read More →
