Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Lawyers in Knoxville

Repay Your Debts Over Time with Chapter 13 in Tennessee

Known as a “debt repayment plan,” Chapter 13 bankruptcy provides debtors with a way to repay creditors through monthly payments over a 3-5 year period. For most people, they end up repaying a portion of their debts and have the remaining qualifying debt discharged.

Schedule a free consultation now to meet with our experienced lawyers and regain control of your life. Our Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys are located in Knoxville, Morristown, and Sevierville. We proudly serve clients throughout East Tennessee.

On This Page

• How Does Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Work?
• The Benefits of Filing for Chapter 13
• Chapter 13 Eligibility - Do I Qualify?
• Find Out If Chapter 13 Is Right for You

Call (865) 328-7993 now for a complimentary case evaluation.

How Does Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Work?

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is often referred to as a “wage earner plan” or a “debt repayment plan.” In some ways, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy is similar to the debt repayment program of Consumer Credit Counseling Service, but there are important differences.

• Timeline: In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the debtor files a “Chapter 13 Plan” with the Bankruptcy Court agreeing to make the best effort to pay off as much debt as possible over a three to five-year period of time. Some debts must be paid in Chapter 13; others need not be.
• Repayment Plans: The debtor makes a monthly payment to a bankruptcy trustee determined by monthly take-home pay less monthly living expenses. For example, if take-home pay is $2,000 per month, and living expenses are $1,800 per month, the payment to the trustee will be $200 per month.
• Debt Discharge: Generally, in Chapter 13, secured debts must be paid in full, as well as “priority” debts (most back taxes and child support). Any funds left over after payment of secured and priority debts are split equally among the unsecured creditors. They each receive some percentage of what is owed, depending on the ability to pay. Most unsecured debts remaining at the end of the case are discharged. This is distinguished from Consumer Credit Counseling Service, where debts are paid in full over an extended repayment period.

The Benefits of Filing for Chapter 13

Consumers turn to Chapter 13, as opposed to Chapter 7, for two reasons: they fail to qualify for Chapter 7 or want to maintain their property.

There are several benefits that Chapter 13, including:

• Catch up on past-due payments
• Save your home from foreclosure
• Prevent repossession of your property
• Stop creditor harassment
• Have more time to make your payments
• Get several debts discharged and pay back less than you owe
• Keep the property that you are making payments on during the repayment period
• Avoid missed payments, defaults, and lawsuits that would hurt your credit
• Apply for a mortgage loan modification under the court's supervision

Chapter 13 Eligibility - Do I Qualify?

Chapter 13 is ideal for individuals or couples who:

• Have enough income to make the monthly payments
• Are within the debt limitations
• Are not eligible to file for Chapter 7
• Have not had a previous bankruptcy dismissed 180 days prior

Businesses are not eligible for Chapter 13 and must file for Chapter 11.

Find Out If Chapter 13 Is Right for You

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a great option for many individuals. However, the decision to file for bankruptcy is an important one and should not be taken lightly. The Law Offices Of Mayer & Newton is here to evaluate your situation and offer sound legal advice on the right path forward. Our certified bankruptcy lawyers have over 60 years of combined experience and have filed over 50,000 cases in the Eastern District of Tennessee. You can trust us to help you make the right decision for your future.

Call (865) 328-7993 now to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our Knoxville Chapter 13 attorneys.