A Sample Completed Chapter 7 Case
What does the completion of a successful Chapter 7 "straight bankruptcy" case look like? What happens to your debts?
Getting Ready to Finish a Chapter 13 Case
Finishing a Chapter 13 case successfully is a big deal. It is rewarding financially and emotionally. Here's how it happens.
The Option of Converting Your Chapter 13 Case into a Chapter 7 One
When deciding between Chapter 7 and 13, if you choose a Chapter 13 payment plan realize that converting later to Chapter 7 is an option.
Your Voluntary Dismissal of a Chapter 13 Case
The Bankruptcy Code explicitly says that, at the request of the person in a Chapter 13 case, the bankruptcy "court shall dismiss" the case.
Adversary Proceedings by the Trustee
Usually it's not hard to avoid getting into a dispute with your trustee. But you need to know the law and follow it.
Lack of the Automatic Stay through Multiple Prior Bankruptcy Filings
If there's a risk you would not get the immediate benefit of the automatic stay, be aware of it and be prepare to prove your "good faith."
Losing the Automatic Stay through a Prior Bankruptcy Filing
Don't jeopardize an indispensable benefit of filing bankruptcy--immediate protection from your creditors.
Making Sense of Bankruptcy: What’s the Required “Debtor Education”?
"Credit counseling" has to be done shortly before filing bankruptcy, "debtor education" shortly after. The latter may even be worthwhile.
Making Sense of Bankruptcy: “Converting” from a Chapter 13 Case to a Chapter 7 One
The decision to file a Chapter 13 case may be an easier one if you know that you can always change it into a Chapter 7 one if needed.
Crucial Question: Does It Take Years to Get Rid of Your Debts under Chapter 13?
Yes, the "discharge"--write-off--of your debts does not happen until the end of your 3-to-5-year case. Thus there are some resulting risks.
Crucial Question: Should You File a Chapter 13 Case with Your Spouse If Your Marriage Is Shaky?
You and your spouse may need the extraordinary benefits of Chapter 13, but things get awkward if your marriage ends before the case does.
Crucial Question: How Long Does a Chapter 13 Case Take to Finish?
Whether you must pay for 3 years or 5 depends mostly on your income. Exactly how long it last depends on the many moving parts of your case.
Crucial Question: What Is a Chapter 13 Plan?
It's a formal proposal about how much you'll pay your creditors. It is, often after some adjustments, "confirmed" by the bankruptcy court.
Crucial Question: If I Filed a Bankruptcy Once Before But Am Now Again in Serious Financial Trouble, Can I File Again?
It's a matter of timing. And that timing depends on whether you previously filed under Chapter 7 or 13, and what you are filing under now.
Crucial Question: Can Bankruptcy Write Off or Reduce My Support Obligations?
No. The bankruptcy court respects and doesn't change the support decisions of your divorce court. But bankruptcy can still help.
