Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a helpful solution for folks struggling with debt. It helps them repay what they owe while keeping their valuable stuff. The repayment plan is a legal paper that says how creditors get paid. This article looks at how making this plan can be complicated and talks about the court and trustee’s roles.

How to Make a Repayment Plan

1. Check Your Money Stuff

Before making a plan, it’s important to check your money situation. This means listing what you own (assets), what you owe (liabilities), and how much money you have (income). Doing this helps create a good plan that fits your needs and follows the law.

2. Sort Out Your Debts

In Chapter 13, debts are put into three groups: secured (like mortgages), priority (important ones that need full repayment first), and unsecured (like credit card debt). Priority debts come first, then secured, and lastly unsecured debts.

3. Decide How Long the Plan Lasts

The plan can be for three years or five, depending on how much you earn. If your income is lower than what most people in your state make, a three-year plan is okay. If it’s below the state average, a five-year plan is needed.

4. Get Help from a Bankruptcy Lawyer

Making the plan can be tricky, so it’s a good idea to get a bankruptcy lawyer’s help. They make sure your plan follows the law and fits your unique situation.

Conclusion

Developing a Chapter 13 repayment plan is a tough job. It needs a deep look at your money situation, following the law, and working with the court and trustee. The court and trustee make sure the plan is fair to both you and the people you owe money to.

Chapter 13 is a good way to get your finances back on track. It lets you keep your important stuff while paying off your debts.

This post was written by Trey Wright, a Florida Bankruptcy Lawyer! Trey is one of the founding partners of Bruner Wright, P.A. Attorneys at Law, specializing in bankruptcy law, estate planning, and business litigation.

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