Man reviewing a stack of bills and paperwork while looking stressed about debt

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Lawyers

If you are behind on bills but want to keep your home, car, or other important property, Chapter 13 bankruptcy may help.

We will review your situation, explain how Chapter 13 works, and help you understand what may be protected.

What is Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a payment plan through the court. It is for people who have regular income but need more time to catch up on debt.

It is often used by people who are behind on house payments, car payments, taxes, or other bills. Chapter 13 is sometimes called a “wage earner’s plan.”

Chapter 13 may allow you to:

  • Combine debts into one monthly plan payment
  • Catch up on missed mortgage or car payments
  • Pay what you can afford over three to five years
  • Protect your home, car, or other important property
  • Erase some remaining eligible debt after the plan is complete


Once your case is filed, the court puts an automatic stay in place. This can stop many collection actions while your case moves forward.

Why Clients Choose Kostopoulos Bankruptcy Law

Kostopoulos Bankruptcy Law helps people with bankruptcy, foreclosure, and serious debt problems. Our team understands how stressful it can feel when your home, car, or paycheck may be at risk.

We explain your options in plain language and help you decide what may make sense for your life.

What sets our firm apart:

  • Focused help with bankruptcy and foreclosure-related debt problems

  • Clear answers from a bankruptcy lawyer

  • Experience helping people protect homes, vehicles, and income

  • Flexible payment options

  • Support in multiple languages, including Spanish

  • Local offices and virtual meeting options

 

You will get honest guidance, clear next steps, and a plan based on your financial situation.

TAKE THE FIRST STEP

Debt problems usually get worse when they are ignored. If you are behind on payments, facing foreclosure, dealing with wage garnishment, or worried about losing your car, it may be time to talk to a lawyer.

Call now to speak with a bankruptcy lawyer about your options. 

Not ready to call yet? Visit our Learning Center to learn more before taking the next step. 

client asking why she should choose to work with Kostopoulos Bankruptcy Law

How Chapter 13 Helps You​

Chapter 13 can give people time, structure, and legal protection.

It may help you:

  • Stop foreclosure

  • Stop repossession

  • Stop wage garnishment

  • Stop creditor calls and lawsuits

  • Catch up on missed house payments over time

  • Catch up on missed car payments over time

  • Pay some debts through one monthly plan

  • Lower what you pay toward some unsecured debts

  • Protect co-signers in some cases

 

During Chapter 13, you make your monthly plan payment. You also stay current on any house, car, or secured debt payments you want to keep.

foreclosure

Who Benefits from Chapter 13?

Chapter 13 might be right for you if:

  • You are behind on house payments

  • You are behind on car payments

  • You have steady income but cannot keep up with all your bills

  • You want to protect your home, car, or other important property

  • You do not qualify for Chapter 7

  • You need more time to repay debt

  • You are facing foreclosure, repossession, wage garnishment, or lawsuits

 

Our team can help you decide whether Chapter 13 is the best choice, or whether another option may work better.

Keep Balances Low

Debts Chapter 13 May Help You Manage

Chapter 13 can help address several kinds of debt, including:

  • Past-due mortgage payments

  • Past-due car payments

  • Credit cards

  • Medical bills

  • Personal loans

  • Payday loans

  • Some tax debts

  • Some court judgments

At the end of a completed Chapter 13 plan, some remaining eligible unsecured debt may be erased.

Can You File Chapter 13 After Chapter 7

The Chapter 13 Process

Every case is different, but most Chapter 13 cases follow these steps.

1. Free Review of Your Financial Situation

We look at your income, expenses, debts, property, and goals. This helps us decide if Chapter 13 may make sense.

2. Building Your Payment Plan

We create a proposed payment plan based on what you can afford and what the law requires.

3. Filing Your Case

Once your case is filed, the automatic stay can stop many collection actions.

4. Meeting With the Trustee

You attend a short required meeting to confirm your information. We help you get ready and attend with you.

5. Court Review

The court reviews your plan and decides whether it can be approved.

6. Making Monthly Payments

You make your Chapter 13 plan payments and stay current on any ongoing house or car payments you want to keep.

7. Discharge

When the plan is complete, some remaining eligible debts may be erased.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Questions People Are Afraid To Ask

Many people feel nervous, embarrassed, or unsure before calling a bankruptcy lawyer. These questions are common, and you are not alone.

 

No. Many people file Chapter 13 because something changed. Job loss, illness, divorce, higher bills, or missed payments can happen to anyone. Chapter 13 is a legal tool that may help you get back in control.

Yes. Many people feel embarrassed at first. Our job is not to judge you. Our job is to help you understand your options and choose a path forward.

That fear is understandable. Chapter 13 is often used to help people protect what matters most, including a home, car, and income.

A bankruptcy lawyer can explain what Chapter 13 may help with, what it may not fix, and what risks you should know before you file. You should understand your options before making a decision.

Start with a consultation. You do not need to know all the answers before you call. We can help you gather the right information and explain the next steps.

Many people feel some relief once the case is filed because the automatic stay can stop many collection actions. The full process takes time, but the first step can give you breathing room.

Get a Free Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Evaluation

Filing bankruptcy is a big decision, but you do not have to make it alone.

We can help you:

  • Review whether you may qualify for Chapter 13

  • Explain which debts may be included

  • Review what property may be protected

  • Compare Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and non-bankruptcy options

Call Kostopoulos Bankruptcy Law at (877) 969-7482 or reach out online to schedule your free, confidential case evaluation.

save your home

Our Track Record in Helping Clients

$ 0

Debt Released

0 + Years

Solving Debt Problems

0 +

Cases Filed

0 +

Homes Saved

Our goal is to help you regain control, not just move debt around.

We're Here to Help

Chapter 13 may help if you need time to catch up, protect important property, or stop creditor pressure.

A consultation can help you understand whether Chapter 13 may fit your situation and what steps may come next.

Private. No pressure. Clear answers about your options.

```

Free Consultation

Ready to Talk About Your Debt Options?

You do not have to figure this out alone. Kostopoulos Bankruptcy Law helps people in Michigan and California understand bankruptcy, debt relief, foreclosure, wage garnishment, and other debt problems in plain language.

Private. No pressure. Clear answers about your options.

```

Do you have a matter with which our lawyers can help you?

Get a Free, No-obligation Consultation