Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

A Plan for a Stronger Financial Future

When overwhelming debt makes it difficult to keep up with payments, Chapter 13 may provide eligible individuals with a structured way to reorganize their debts and work toward financial stability.

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Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 consultations are free, while Chapter 11 consultation is subject to a $250 fee.

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When Debt Starts to Feel Unmanageable

When Debt Makes It Difficult to Keep Moving Forward

Chapter 13 may provide a structured repayment plan to help eligible individuals address certain debts over time.

Falling Behind on Payments

Restructuring may provide a way to address significant debts while creating a manageable path toward financial stability.

Facing Foreclosure

Filing Chapter 13 may provide protection from many collection actions and potentially give eligible homeowners time to address mortgage arrears.

Struggling With Secured Debt

A repayment plan may help eligible individuals manage certain past-due secured debts while maintaining possession of qualifying property.

Overwhelming Multiple Debts

Chapter 13 can consolidate eligible debts into a court-supervised repayment plan, making financial obligations more manageable.

Protecting Your Financial Future

A successful Chapter 13 plan can provide a structured path toward addressing debt while working toward greater financial stability.

Could Chapter 13 Be the Right Solution?

You may have options even if you’ve fallen behind on payments. Let us review your situation and help you understand whether Chapter 13 may be appropriate.

Chapter 13

Understanding How Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Works

Chapter 13 allows eligible individuals with regular income to reorganize certain debts through a court-approved repayment plan while working toward greater financial stability.

01

Create a Repayment Plan

Develop a structured plan for addressing eligible debts over a designated period, generally three to five years.

02

Keep Your Property

Chapter 13 may allow eligible individuals to retain certain property while addressing past-due obligations through their repayment plan.

03

Catch Up on Past-Due Payments

A repayment plan may provide eligible individuals an opportunity to address certain overdue mortgage, vehicle, and other secured debt payments.

04

Protection From Creditors

The automatic stay generally stops many collection activities, giving you an opportunity to work through the bankruptcy process.

The goal isn't simply to file bankruptcy.

It's to help you find the right path forward.

Chapter 13 vs. Chapter 7

Chapter 13 vs. Chapter 7: Which May Fit Your Situation?

Both chapters can provide debt relief, but they work differently. Your income, assets, debts, and financial goals can help determine which option may be appropriate.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

  • Creates a structured repayment plan.
  • Generally lasts three to five years.
  • May allow eligible individuals to retain qualifying property.
  • Can address certain past-due secured debts through the repayment plan.
  • Designed for individuals who have regular income and meet applicable eligibility requirements.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
  • Generally focuses on discharging qualifying debts.
  • Typically involves a shorter process.
  • Eligibility requirements, including applicable means-test requirements, may apply.
  • Exemptions may protect certain qualifying property.
  • May provide eligible individuals with a fresh financial start.
Every financial situation is different.

Take Control of Your Debt With a Plan

You don’t need to make that decision alone.
Testimonials

Real Stories. Real Relief.

Hear from clients who trusted The Law Office of Rowena N. Nelson, LLC for compassionate guidance, clear answers, and confident representation through challenging financial times.

Jay
First I want to say thank you to ms.Nelson for working on my bankruptcy case she was very professional and handled the job with no nonsense or confusion and made me feel comfortable with my decision working with her. Also her legal assistant Thomas was very helpful and prompt with information regarding my case and questions. And her office was very welcoming and secure and a very nice security officer outside of her office
ITCTV/WTV Show
As a veterans serving in the Vietnam era, we dont all the time get the professional server that is need and required that we deserve. This office of Rowena Nelson was very professonal greatly appreciate the service. She was able to meet with me in a timely manner. After our meeting she was able to relieve me of the fears, doubts and some of the fustration that we did have with her before our meeting. She is very thorough, very intelligent, very professional, beside us winning the case she also (sidebar) dresses very well also...
Kecia McLean
I had the pleasure of working with Rowena Nelson and her incredible team on my case, and I couldn’t be more grateful for their dedication and professionalism. Throughout the entire process, Nelson and her team kept me updated, answered all my questions, and provided expert guidance that led to a successful outcome. Their attention to detail, combined with their compassion and expertise, made all the difference. I felt confident knowing I was in such capable hands. If you’re looking for an attorney who truly cares and delivers results, I highly recommend Nelson and her team!
Common Questions

Bankruptcy Questions? Get Clear Answers.

Get straightforward answers to common bankruptcy questions before making important decisions about your financial future.

Still unsure? Please call.

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(301) 358-3271

01. What is bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy is a legal process that can help eligible individuals or businesses address overwhelming debt and obtain financial relief.

The right chapter depends on your income, assets, debts, and financial circumstances. An attorney can help determine which option may be appropriate.

Filing bankruptcy generally triggers an automatic stay that can temporarily stop many collection efforts, including certain lawsuits, garnishments, and creditor communications.

Not necessarily. Bankruptcy exemptions may protect certain property, depending on your circumstances and the applicable federal or state laws.

The timeline varies depending on the chapter filed, your circumstances, and whether complications arise during the case.

No. Depending on your situation, negotiating with creditors, restructuring debt, or pursuing other alternatives may provide a better path forward.

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Law Office of Rowena N. Nelson, LLC

Licensed in MD, DC, and VA

Financial pressure can build quickly. You may be wondering which bill to pay first – or what happens if you simply can’t keep up. 

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