At NORTHLAND BANKRUPTCY LAW we are committed to helping individuals get debt relief. We can help stop annoying creditor calls and put you on the path to financial stability. Located in the Northland of Kansas City, we provide legal services throughout Missouri. If we can help you, call us now for a FREE CONSULTATION at 816-702-1772 or send an email to: [email protected].
With a troubled job market and an up and down economy, many families have lost their incomes — and perhaps you are in the same boat.
As a result, you may have purchased your home or vehicle with the expectation of being able to pay it off, only to have everything change.
It happens all the time. And, if you are in this position, you can work with a Kansas City Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney to get your debt back under control.
How Does Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Work?
If you have a steady source of income, such as a regular paycheck or unemployment check, you may qualify to file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Missouri.
As soon as you start the process with a Kansas City bankruptcy attorney, harassing phone calls come to a stop. We negotiate your terms of payment with the creditors on your behalf, so you don't have to keep fighting anymore.
With the help of an attorney, you can make one regular monthly payment to cover all your bills. Your debt will feel less burdensome because filing Chapter 13 sets the amount based on your current income levels.
When you are ready to regain control over your finances, contact our Kansas City Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney. The conversation is free.
Filing Chapter 13 Bankruptcy – The Process
When you call, and before actual consultation, we will go over all your options and explain what we are looking for when we analyze a case.
1) Determine if you are qualified to file Chapter 13
You will need to provide paystubs or income records, fill out a budget worksheet and then sit down with an attorney to go over the budget. We want a budget done so we can go over all of your options and help you understand what life will look like after your bankruptcy is filed. We also want to make sure you can make the payment that your plan will propose and that you will be able to meet your basic financial obligations (rent, utilities, food, etc.).
2) Put your bills together and let us have them
We will pull all three credit reports; however, we also want a detailed list of all of your debts. Bring your bills.
3) Complete necessary paperwork
There are three basic rules at this appointment: Disclose, disclose, disclose. We will thoroughly explain the purpose of each form. We will ask you all the required questions and go over the petition, schedules, and all documents line by line.
4) File for Bankruptcy
We file the completed forms electronically using special bankruptcy software. We keep the original signed copies of all but one or two documents in the file (those get mailed into the bankruptcy clerk). The Bankruptcy Court will inform everyone you owe that you have filed for bankruptcy.
5) You attend a hearing.
You and us will attend a hearing where your bankruptcy trustee will confirm with you that your paperwork was completed and correct and you went over it. You are notified of this meeting by mail about 5 to 7 days after filing your case. The meeting is usually set about 30 days after filing the case. This should give you a three-week window to plan for the meeting. These are public hearings and normally you will be in a room with other people who have filed for bankruptcy and their attorneys. Your creditors can show and ask questions about your case, but they hardly ever appear.
6) You make plan payments.
You have to make payments to the bankruptcy trustee starting within 30 days of the filing of your case. In some cases, where a garnishment is in effect at the time of filing, you may be able to delay the start of the payments until the garnishment from the creditor is lifted. You and us should have an idea of how long the plan will run at the time the case is filed.
7) The court issues a confirmation order
There is a hearing that you do not usually attend where the court determines if your plan is appropriate. If the Court does think the plan is appropriate then it will issue an order “confirming” the plan. This hearing usually happens within 60 days of the filing of the case. Once the case is confirmed you continue to make your payments under the plan.
8) Debtor Education Class
You have to take a class before you can get a discharge and we will provide you with information on different classes you could take. In Kansas City the Bankruptcy Trustee offers a free class at the courthouse.
9) File a Motion for Discharge
After you complete your plan payments, we will have you fill out some additional paperwork and will file a motion for discharge.
10) Order for Discharge/Case Closed
Once the Court determines that you complied with applicable rules and completed your plan payments, you will get an Order of Discharge. This usually happens within 30 days of the Motion for Discharge. Shortly after, your case will be closed.
Please contact a Kansas City Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney for more information and for a free, confidential consultation.
CONTACT A CHAPTER 13 BANKRUPTCY ATTORNEY TODAY!
Northland Bankruptcy Law - Bankruptcy Attorney
To schedule a FREE consultation, please call our office located nearest to you, or email us at [email protected] or fill out our contact form.