Understanding Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Get Protection Today- Not next Week
If you’re behind on your mortgage, facing foreclosure, dealing with garnishment, or drowning in debt, a Chapter 13 reorganization can stop everything immediately.
I’ve helped more Livingston County residents file bankruptcy over the last 20 years than anyone — and I can help you too.
What is Chapter 13?
Chapter 13 is a 3–5 year repayment plan that lets you:
• Stop foreclosure
• Catch up on your mortgage
• Stop garnishments
• Stop repossession
• Reduce car payments
• Consolidate debt into one affordable payment
• Pay back IRS or state taxes
• Protect assets you’d lose in Chapter 7
It’s a consumer reorganization under 11 U.S.C. §1300 — designed to help regular people keep their homes, cars, and property.
Chapter 7 v. Chapter 13
• Chapter 7: You pay nothing back. Good if you have no assets to protect.
• Chapter 13: You pay some of your debt back over time. Good if you want to keep your home, car, or other assets.
I tell clients:
“A two‑digit bankruptcy is a reorganization. A seven is liquidation.”
If you have assets, income, or you’re behind on payments, Chapter 13 is usually the better choice.
Reasons to File a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
1. Stop foreclosure and keep your home
Catch up on arrears over 3–5 years.
2. You don’t qualify for Chapter 7
Maybe you filed a 7 within 8 years or your income is too high.
3. Protect home equity or other assets
Chapter 13 protects what Chapter 7 would liquidate.
4. Fix means test issues
High household income? Chapter 13 solves it.
5. Pay IRS, state taxes, or child support
Priority debts can be paid through the plan.
How much does a chapter 13 cost ?
The standard flat fee in Michigan is $4,250 — but here’s the good news:
Most of it is paid through your plan.
You usually only pay $1,200 upfront, and the rest is spread out over time.
How does a chapter 13 work?
1. We file your petition, schedules, and repayment plan
2. You get immediate protection from creditors
3. You attend a short 341 meeting (about 30 days later)
4. Your plan is confirmed by the court
5. You make one affordable monthly payment
6. You keep your home, car, and assets
Yes — it sounds simple, but Chapter 13 can get complicated.
That’s why experience matters.
I’ve been filing Chapter 13 cases for almost 20 years.
Why Choose me?
• 25+ years helping Michigan families
• More Livingston County bankruptcies filed than anyone over the last 25 years
• Local, personal, one‑on‑one service
• Same‑day filings available
• Payment plans available
• No big‑firm pressure or mill‑style treatment
• You work directly with me — not a paralegal assembly line