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At a glance: A Chapter 13 case creates a court‑approved repayment plan (typically 36–60 months) that stops most collections through the automatic stay and lets you catch up on mortgage arrears, manage credit cards and other unsecured debts, and address certain back taxes—all while keeping key assets. For many Inland Empire homeowners in San Bernardino County and Riverside County, Chapter 13 is a practical, court‑supervised path to financial stability.
Unlike Chapter 7 liquidation, Chapter 13 is designed for individuals (and some sole proprietors) with regular income.
How debts are prioritized in the plan
Local focus: Our Chapter 13 team handles cases across San Bernardino County and Riverside County. We lean on accurate fair‑market valuations, equity analysis, and local lender/servicer practices—critical for options like lien stripping of wholly unsecured junior mortgages or HELOCs.
Compare Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 · Means Test Details · Contact Us
If you’ve received a Notice of Default or have a sale date, filing Chapter 13 typically halts the sale via the automatic stay so you can propose a plan to repay arrears over time (the classic “cure and maintain” approach):
Important: If you had a prior bankruptcy case dismissed within the last year, the automatic stay can be time‑limited or not effective without a court order. We move quickly to protect your home when timing is tight.
If your home’s fair market value is less than the first mortgage balance, a junior lien (e.g., second mortgage/HELOC) can, in some cases, be treated as unsecured and stripped through the plan. If the court grants the motion and you complete the plan, the junior lien can be removed.
Talk to a Lien‑Strip Lawyer
Chapter 13 can stop repossession and structure manageable payments on your auto loan.
Your plan must commit all projected disposable income for the applicable commitment period and be feasible. The trustee and creditors can object on issues such as good faith, feasibility, or improper treatment of claims.
Key treatment points
Means Test · Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 · Fees & Timeline
Chapter 13 attorney fees are structured to be practical: a portion is often paid up front and the remainder through the plan, subject to court approval and local guidelines. We’ll review exact costs transparently. Our attorneys and paralegal team handle filings, deadlines, valuations, and ongoing case management for families and small business owners.
After your case: We’ll discuss credit rebuilding and, when appropriate, coordinate estate planning to help protect family assets.
IRS — Bankruptcy Tax Guide (Pub. 908): https://www.irs.gov/publications/p908
Often, yes. Filing activates the automatic stay, which generally halts foreclosure so you can propose a plan to cure arrears. If a sale is scheduled, speak with a lawyer immediately—timing matters. Contact us.
If your home’s value is less than the first mortgage balance, a wholly unsecured junior lien may be treated as unsecured and stripped in Chapter 13 (subject to valuation and evidence). We assess value, lien validity, and equity.
Not necessarily. Many plans repay only a portion of unsecured debt based on your disposable income, assets, exemptions, and equity. The remainder can be discharged at completion.
Some lenders consider modification during an active case. We coordinate documentation while keeping the plan feasible and can also discuss post‑discharge refinancing.
The automatic stay generally stops ongoing lawsuits, judgment enforcement, and garnishments. Some judgment liens that impair exemptions may be avoidable inside the case.
No. Chapter 13 is a federal court process with trustee oversight, an enforceable plan, and the automatic stay—protections private consolidation doesn’t provide.
Child support and alimony are priority debts that must be paid in full and do not replace family‑law court orders. We coordinate with your family‑law counsel when needed.
Free Consultation — Speak with a Chapter 13 attorney today.
Redlands: (909) 915‑0181 · Palm Springs: (760) 835‑9353
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We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code. This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Reading this page or sending an email/SMS does not create an attorney‑client relationship.
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