If you’re hoping to make your debt more manageable and to have some of it forgiven over time, consider scheduling a risk-free consultation with a Garland Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer whom you can trust with your case. Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows filers to reorganize their existing debts. At first glance, this opportunity might not seem terribly consequential. But oftentimes, all debtors need to get a solid handle on their finances is the opportunity to halt the collections process in its tracks and get on a manageable monthly payment plan. A significant “added feature” of this process is that after debtors successfully make their monthly debt payments for 3–5 years, any remaining eligible debt is wiped out. Once this discharge order is entered by the court, creditors can never again demand payment of that debt.
Our team also assists those dealing with case dismissals. Preparing to file for bankruptcy isn’t the only reason to consider scheduling a consultation with a Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer. You should also connect with the experienced legal team at Allmand Law Firm, PLLC if you are navigating a Chapter 13 case dismissal. If your case has either been dismissed or is at risk of being dismissed, don’t panic. This scenario is more common than you might think. At this point, your job is to act quickly to preserve your legal options. Our firm’s bankruptcy lawyer team can help you accomplish this critically important goal.
The Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Process – Steps
The first thing you’ll need to do if you’re interested in filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Garland is to consult with an experienced bankruptcy lawyer. While it is technically possible (although not generally advisable) for Chapter 7 bankruptcy filers to prepare their bankruptcy petitions without legal counsel, Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a complex process that shouldn’t be undertaken without personalized assistance from a local attorney who has extensive experience practicing bankruptcy law.
When you meet with our firm, please bring along (to the extent that you can) any information about your income, debts, and expenses that you have readily available. The sooner we can get detailed information about these aspects of your finances, the quicker we can begin preparing your bankruptcy petition. Before this paperwork can be filed with the court, you’ll need to complete a pre-filing credit counseling course that has been approved by the Department of Justice for filers located in the Garland, Texas area. Once your bankruptcy paperwork is ready and you’ve gathered funds to pay your filing fee, we’ll submit your case to the court.
During the course of the process, you’ll need to take a second education course, attend a meeting of your creditors, and attend a confirmation hearing. We will prepare you for each of these steps. We will also work hard to ensure that the repayment plan we construct on your behalf is manageable so that you can feel confident that you’ll be able to complete the process successfully.
Chapter 13 Case Dismissals – Considerations
A Chapter 13 bankruptcy case can be dismissed for a variety of reasons. Perhaps most commonly, cases are dismissed when debtors fail to make their payments on time. This is a scenario that can be successfully managed (in most cases) if filers are proactive. If you’re having trouble making your payments because your financial situation has evolved, connect with our firm (if possible) before your case is dismissed. We may be able to get your repayment schedule altered so that it is manageable again. Getting back on track whenever possible is ideal.
Additionally, cases may be dismissed if debtors fail to provide the court or trustee with requested forms, fail to file their taxes, or meet other deadlines as required by the court. If you’re struggling to meet a Chapter 13 bankruptcy deadline in Garland, talk to our lawyers. We may be able to help. Additionally, cases can be dismissed during the filing process if the debtor doesn’t complete education requirements or attend the meeting of creditors. If you’re being represented by a different firm and their actions are leading to your case dismissal, please come speak with us. Again, we may be able to help.
Note that if your case is dismissed, you’ll no longer be shielded by the protections of the automatic stay. You may also be barred from refiling, or you may be subject to a more restricted version of the automatic stay in the event that you’re allowed to refile. However, it might be possible to refile or convert your case. We’ll be able to advise you of your options once we better understand your unique circumstances.
Call a Garland Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney
The Chapter 13 bankruptcy process can offer you a fresh start and an opportunity to build a solid financial foundation that will serve you and your family well in both the near and distant future. To explore your bankruptcy options, schedule a no-risk, confidential consultation with the experienced legal team at Allmand Law Firm, PLLC, today. Once we learn about your income, expenses, property, debt, and financial goals, we’ll help you make informed choices that will allow your Chapter 13 repayment period to progress successfully.
Additionally, if your Chapter 13 bankruptcy case has either been dismissed or is at risk of dismissal, connect with our firm today. Acting quickly can help ensure that you can respond effectively to the threat of an unsuccessful bankruptcy case. It’s also important to act quickly because you may be barred (for a period of time) from refiling a new bankruptcy case for some time if your original case fails outright. You chose to file for bankruptcy for good reasons. It’s important to act so that you can meet the goals you originally set out to achieve when you submitted your original bankruptcy petition. Our firm takes great pride in helping debtors through all aspects of the bankruptcy process, including dismissal-related challenges. Don’t wait – connect with our Garland Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer team today. We look forward to working with you.
