Even if you pass the means test for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you may want to consider the advantages and disadvantages of a Chapter 13 bankruptcy prior to filing.
Advantages of a Minnesota Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
- Provided you can afford the payment plan, you can choose to keep all your property, exempt and non-exempt
- Debts are not canceled as in a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, but they may be reduced under a Chapter 13 bankruptcy
- Creditor’s collection efforts and wage garnishment attempts are stopped immediately
- More debts are considered to be “dischargeable”
- Co-signers are immune from the creditor’s efforts if the Chapter 13 Bankruptcy repayment plan is for a full repayment of debt
- As long as you meet the terms of the plan, you are protected against foreclosure on your home
- You have more time to pay debts that can’t be discharged by either type of personal bankruptcy (taxes, back child support, etc.)
- You can file a Chapter 13 at any time
- You can file Chapter 13 repeatedly
- You can categorize creditors by class where different classes of creditors receive different percentages of payment
- You may be able to strip off and discharge a home equity line of credit or second mortgage if your house is worth less than the first mortgage
- If you have an older car loan you may be able to lower the principal balance and interest rate of your car loan
Disadvantages of a Minnesota Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
- You create a payment plan using your post bankruptcy income – this ties up your income over the Chapter 13 plan period
- Legal fees are higher since a Chapter 13 filing is more complex
- Your debt must be under $1,000,000 (e.g., unsecured debts are less than $250,000 and secured debts less than $750,000)
- Your plan, and therefore your debt, will last for 3 to 5 years
- You are involved in the bankruptcy process for the term of the 3 to 5 year plan
- Stockbrokers and commodity brokers cannot file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy
These are general guidelines for advantages and disadvantages of Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Minnesota.
Conclusion
We know that every situation is different and your circumstances will determine which type of bankruptcy, if any, is the best decision for you.
To learn about the options available to you, contact us at 612.824.4357 or visit one of our offices in Minneapolis, St Paul, Blaine or Brooklyn Park, for your free bankruptcy consultation with an experienced Minnesota bankruptcy attorney.
You don’t need to spend a dime to get the legal advice you need to make this important decision.
