Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorneys in Shelby County

If you are struggling with debt and are considering a Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Shelby County, it is important to understand how the process works and what to expect. A Calera bankruptcy attorney can help explain the process to you at a consultation and ensure that you understand what Chapter 13 can do to help.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a type of bankruptcy that allows individuals with an income to create a repayment plan of some or all of their debts over a three to five year period. This type of bankruptcy is often utilized by individuals who have assets they want to protect, such as a home or a vehicle, but are struggling to make their payments.

When filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Shelby County, the first step is to meet with a bankruptcy lawyer in Alabaster to discuss your financial situation and determine if Chapter 13 is right for you. Your local bankruptcy attorney will then help you gather all of the necessary documents, including a list of all of your creditors, pay stubs, your bank statements, and tax returns.

Once all of the documents have been gathered, and all fees paid, then your experienced local Chelsea bankruptcy lawyer will prepare and file your Chapter 13 petition with the court. Once it is filed, you and your bankruptcy attorney will have to go before the judge to get your proposed plan approved. The process of getting your plan confirmed by the judge can typically take several months.

After your petition is filed, the court will schedule a meeting of creditors, also known as a 341 meeting, during which you will be required to answer questions from someone called a Trustee. A Trustee is a local attorney that is appointed to administer the case, but they are not a judge. Then, you will have a confirmation hearing set before the actual bankruptcy judge. The 341 meeting is usually held within a month of the filing of the petition. The Confirmation Hearing can take a few months longer since creditors will file claims and objections to what you are paying back and all of these filings must be heard by the bankruptcy judge before your plan can be confirmed. It is important to note that the debtor is not required to attend the 341 meeting in person as of 2022, these meetings have been occurring either via video or phone call.

The most important part of the Chapter 13 process is when the court reviews your repayment plan to determine whether it is feasible but also fair to all parties involved. If the court approves your plan, you will be required to make payments to the trustee on a regular basis, typically once a month. These payments will be used to pay off your debts according to the terms of your repayment plan.

It’s important to note that for a certain period of time after you file the bankruptcy, you will be protected from creditor harassment and wage garnishments. This protection can end at some point, but the bankruptcy filing can almost always stop and delay such actions for a while.

It’s also important to note that the bankruptcy laws can be very complex and it is important to have an experienced local bankruptcy lawyer to help you navigate the process. A Calera Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney can provide you with the guidance and support you need to successfully complete your repayment plan and get a fresh start.

In conclusion, if you are facing financial problems in Shelby County, Alabama and are considering a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, a Pelham bankruptcy attorney can help guide you through the process and ensure that your rights are protected. With the help of a bankruptcy lawyer in Shelby County, you can have get feasible repayment plan without putting your home or vehicle at risk.