Chapter 13 Payment Plan Example

The truth: Bankruptcies are considered public records, which is how they're reported on your credit. The public record associated with a Chapter 7 bankruptcy will remain on your credit report for as long as 10 years. That time period starts on the date you file the bankruptcy petition.

Under Pennsylvania law and federal law, Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is a reorganization of debt. In layman's terms, it's a way for someone facing financial distress to reduce the amount they owe, as well as an opportunity to negotiate the time frame in which they must pay back what they owe creditor.

Unless sealed, all documents filed in a bankruptcy case are available for public viewing. Information contained in bankruptcy case documents is a matter of public record. Documents may be accessed in the Clerk's Office during regular business hours, or 24 hours a day via internet access to PACER.

Bankruptcies: 7 years for completed Chapter 13 bankruptcies and 10 years for Chapter 7 bankruptcies. Foreclosures: 7 years. Collections: Generally, about 7 years, depending on the age of the debt being collected. Public Record: 7 years.

Analyze your debt. Determine your property exemptions. Make sure you are eligible. Redeem or reaffirm secured debts. Fill out the bankruptcy forms. Take a credit counseling course. File the forms. Pay the filing fee or request a fee waiver.

Case Information Online Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) is a web-based system that allows users with an internet connection and a PACER account to view or print case documents online. A fee is charged for each page viewed. To sign up for a PACER account, register at http://www.pacer.gov .

If you have a PACER account, you can search using the PACER Case Locator. You can visit the courthouse and use a public terminal. If you know the social security number, you can use the VCIS system. It's a toll free call to 1-866-222-8029. See VCIS instructions here.

Avoid Transferring Assets Before Filing for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. Avoid Favoring Creditors Before a Bankruptcy Filing. Avoid Making Credit Card Purchases Before a Chapter 7 Filing. Avoid Depositing Unusual Amounts Before Filing Bankruptcy.

In the majority of cases where the court denies a chapter 13 plan, it is because a debtor did not comply with requirements outlined by your attorney or the court. In order for your chapter 13 plan to be confirmed, you must:2) Have made your first chapter 13 payment within 30 days of filing your case.