Chapter 13

Portland Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney

Stop Foreclosure with Vanden Bos & Chapman, LLP

The risk of losing a home or car is enough to make many people anxious. Fortunately, there are options even when you are in significant financial trouble. When a Chapter 13 bankruptcy is successfully filed an automatic stay is initiated, this can cause an immediate stop on foreclosure or repossession giving you time to catch up on payments and save your home.

Under Chapter 13, the court approves a repayment plan that allows you to consolidate and pay down debt over three to five years. With help from our Portland Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney, you can make regular payments and keep most of your current possessions. 


Bankruptcy can help you keep your financial situation afloat. For a consultation, contact a Portland chapter 13 lawyer at Vanden Bos & Chapman, LLP at (503) 664-3134 today.


Filing for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Portland

What Is Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Oregon is a legal framework designed to provide individuals with a structured pathway to manage and ultimately repay their debts over a period of time, typically three to five years. This type of bankruptcy is often referred to as a "wage earner's" or "reorganization" bankruptcy, as it allows individuals with a steady source of income to create a feasible plan to repay their creditors while retaining their valuable assets, such as their home or car.

The process of Chapter 13 bankruptcy begins with the debtor filing a Chapter 13 petition with the bankruptcy court in Oregon. Along with the petition, the debtor must also submit a proposed Chapter 13 repayment plan outlining how they intend to repay their debts over the designated period. The court-appointed trustee reviews the plan and ensures it complies with bankruptcy laws and regulations. If approved, the debtor begins making regular payments to the trustee, who then distributes the funds to creditors as outlined in the plan.

During the repayment period, which typically spans three to five years, the debtor must adhere to the terms of the plan, making consistent payments to the trustee. Certain debts, such as mortgage arrears or priority tax debts, are typically prioritized for full repayment, while unsecured debts like credit card balances might be paid only partially or even discharged entirely at the end of the plan if they haven't been paid off by that point.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy provides a viable option for individuals to restructure their financial obligations while maintaining essential assets, offering a fresh start and a chance to regain control over their financial future. However, the process can be intricate, requiring meticulous planning and adherence to legal guidelines. Individuals seeking this type of bankruptcy need a Chapter 13 attorney for guidance.

Who Qualifies for Chapter 13?

You may consider Chapter 13 bankruptcy if:

  • You are an individual with a regular income
  • You run a sole proprietor business
  • You owe less than the Chapter 13 limits for unsecured and secured debt
  • You are able and willing to create a plan for taking care of your debt

Vanden Bos & Chapman, LLP has a team of well-respected Portland Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyers ready to help you resolve your debt. We have been serving clients since 1981 and can put our years of experience to work on your behalf today.

Can Chapter 13 Affect My Mortgages & Car Loans?

People often file Chapter 13 to save their home or car from the bank. When you are significantly behind on your mortgage or car loan, a bankruptcy filing may be your best option. A Chapter 13 filing does not change your house payment. However, filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy can give you time to catch up on missed payments.

Mortgage

You will still need to make your regular monthly house payment when it is due. If you are in foreclosure already, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy can give you three to five years to catch up on delinquent payments using a repayment plan. A Portland Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer at our law firm can help you create a debt repayment plan that works for you.

Car Loan

Under certain circumstances, Chapter 13 can change your car payments. 

What is a Chapter 13 Cram Down? 

A “cram down” can allow you only to pay what the car is worth, rather than the full amount of the loan. If you successfully complete the Chapter 13 plan, the creditor discharges the rest of the debt. A “cram down” cannot be used if the car was purchased less than 910 days before the filing, or you use the car for business, a “cram down” cannot be used.

How Vanden Bos & Chapman, LLP Can Help You

Our experienced Portland Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys have been recognized as authorities in the field of bankruptcy and are frequently asked to speak on issues related to this area of law. Let us put our experience to work for you by helping you create an effective Chapter 13 plan.

If you are afraid of losing your home or car due to debt, or you have debts that will take decades to repay, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy may be the answer.


To review your situation with our seasoned firm, contact our Portland chapter 13 attorney at (503) 664-3134.


Our Clients Are Our Biggest Endorsers

  • Your compassion and understanding have really made swallowing our fate a bit easier.

    “Ann: I know this is your business, but I can’t tell you what your guidance has meant to Pat and me through this bankruptcy process. Your compassion and understanding have really made swallowing our fate a bit easier. So, thank you. You have a thankless job at times but know we are so appreciative!”

  • Thanks again to Ann Chapman and the team there for their grace and their professionalism.

    “Ann: Thanks again to Ann Chapman and the team there for their grace and their professionalism, courtesy, and excellent work at every turn.”

  • Your caring and listening ear really helped me through this.

    “Ann: I wanted to send you a note and thank you for the support and help you have given to me over the past five years. Your caring and listening ear really helped me through this. I appreciate it so much. Going through bankruptcy was a learning experience for me. I know once I can find employment somewhere I will be OK with my spending. I am not perfect, but I am so much better.”

  • I think you are the best expert!

    “Ann: I have to thank you again for all of your hard work, knowledge, time, and help you have provided me (getting through all this)! I truly appreciate what you have done. I think you are the best expert! I couldn’t have found anyone better.”

  • Thanks!

    “Ann and her staff’s top-notch professionalism with an unexpected but very appreciated warm personal touch during a rough patch in our lives AND an experience that was based on a workable plan that now has become our daily habit as we close this chapter and move on into a brighter future. A triple-combination that delivers success! Thanks!”

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