Chapter 13

San Diego Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Lawyers

Repay Your Debts Through Affordable Payment Plans

Are you feeling the overwhelming weight of accumulated debts gathering on your shoulders? Especially amid a growing recession, many individuals have become stressed and anxious as their salary and savings decrease on account of the poor economy, which has been even further affected by the terrible consequences of COVID-19. When it feels like your pile of debt has become a volcano ready to erupt, you need to know there is hope.

Our Chapter 13 attorneys in San Diego can support you in an application for bankruptcy, which provides immediate relief to those suffering from growing arrears on mortgage payments or car debts. At Debt Relief Legal Clinic, our team is dedicated to offering you a lifeline from crippling collections from creditors through the bankruptcy process.

Call Debt Relief Legal Clinic at (619) 639-9228 or contact us online for a personalized, effective plan to resolve your financial stress.

How Does Chapter 13 Work?

One of the common terms for Chapter 13 is that of a “reorganization” bankruptcy strategy, also called a “wage earner’s plan.” This is because those who file for Chapter 13 usually still have a steady source of income, but one that is simply not enough to help you get rid of all your debts immediately.

When you file for Chapter 13, your skilled Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer will mediate between you and your creditors to first seek opportunities to decrease the amount of payment due. Then there will be a negotiation of your plan of payment. Rather than trying to scrape up enough funds to pay a large sum every month, the monthly payment can be greatly reduced into more manageable, bite-sized chunks.

Am I Eligible for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

There are a number of requirements that are necessary to begin the process for this bankruptcy plan. Your knowledgeable lawyer can also help you determine exactly whether you fit the required attributes.

The eligibility requirements for Chapter 13 include:

  • Applying as an individual, since no corporations or partnerships are allowed
  • Receiving a reliable, steady income which has at least a slightly larger amount of earnings than what you typically spend on living costs
  • Possessing unsecured and liquidated debts which total less than $383,175
  • Having secured debts that amount to being less than $1,149,525

How Can Chapter 13 Help Resolve My Debts?

The decision to file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy can be tough, as many people worry about what it can do to their credit and ability to get loans in the future. However, continuing to remain in debt can be even more damaging to your credit and keep you in a cycle of debt for a longer period of time.

Filing for Chapter 13 can be an effective form of debt relief that comes with several benefits:

  • You can save your home from being foreclosed on, allowing you to catch up on back payments.
  • You may be able to modify your current mortgage payments to make them more manageable for you.
  • You can tackle tax debts and create a repayment plan to avoid ongoing penalties.
  • You can catch up on your car payments and stop repossession.
  • You only repay a portion of your unsecured debts, and can have the remaining discharged.

If you are still unsure about filing for Chapter 13, feel free to contact our team for more information on whether it is a right choice for you. Or, if you qualify for Chapter 7 instead, we can review your eligibility.

Call a Chapter 13 lawyer in San Diego from Debt Relief Legal Clinic at (619) 639-9228.

How Are Chapter 13 Repayment Plans Calculated?

Each payment plan will be different, and is based on what you can afford to pay monthly.

When creating your repayment plan, you must factor in:

  • Disposable income - The higher your disposable income (your monthly income minus your necessary expenses), the higher your monthly plan will be.
  • Debts - You must include all of the debts that you need to repay, including priority debts (alimony, back taxes, child support) and unsecured debts.
  • Length of plan - Most payment plans last between 3 to 5 years, depending on how much debt you have to repay.

Make sure that you work with an attorney to help you determine a manageable plan. Our attorneys can review your finances, income, and debts to help you determine an effective debt relief solution.

How Do I Know If I Should File for Chapter 13?

If you are wondering whether Chapter 13 bankruptcy is an option for you, there are several indicators that can let you know if this payment relief plan will suit your individual needs.

Some of the scenarios where Chapter 13 is the optimum choice are when you:

  • Owe debts which are unable to be forgiven and discharged under Chapter 7, including settlements for child support, marital property, or taxes
  • Have been forced to experience liens that are larger in monetary value than the property or object being used for debt security
  • Need to fulfill loan requirements for your retirement, which are barred from Chapter 7 payment plans
  • Have been falling behind or completely unable to pay your mortgage or automobile payments, and are facing foreclosure or repossession

Get Personalized Debt Solutions from Certified Bankruptcy Attorneys

At the Debt Relief Legal Clinic, our dependable attorneys are dedicated to giving you the support you need. Unlike most San Diego Chapter 13 lawyers, our entire team is fully Certified Bankruptcy Specialists. You can count on our experience to help you no matter what the challenges are surrounding your application.

Contact us now at (619) 639-9228 to experience a wave of financial relief from your debts through a Chapter 13 bankruptcy plan. Schedule your free case consultation today. 

Commonly Asked Chapter 13 Questions

How Can Chapter 13 Help Resolve My Debts?

Chapter 13 bankruptcy offers a structured and manageable path to resolving debts. It allows individuals to reorganize their debts into a manageable repayment plan typically spanning three to five years. This plan is based on your ability to pay, and it can often result in reduced monthly payments. Chapter 13 can also halt foreclosure, giving you an opportunity to catch up on mortgage arrears. Furthermore, it may enable you to discharge some unsecured debts at the end of the plan. Overall, Chapter 13 provides a structured framework for regaining control of your finances and achieving debt resolution while protecting valuable assets.

How Do I Know If I Should File For Chapter 13?

Deciding whether to file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy depends on your financial situation and goals. It's a viable option if you have a regular income and want to restructure your debts while keeping valuable assets, like your home or car. Chapter 13 can help if you're facing foreclosure and need time to catch up on missed payments. It's also suitable if your debts exceed the Chapter 7 limits. To determine if Chapter 13 is the right choice for you, consult with an experienced bankruptcy attorney. They can evaluate your specific circumstances and help you make an informed decision tailored to your financial needs and objectives.

Why Choose Debt Relief Legal Clinic?

  • Certified Bankruptcy Specialist
    Attorney John C. Colwell has been recognized by the State Bar of California as one of 12 certified legal specialists in San Diego County for Bankruptcy Law.
  • Experienced
    Our attorney has over 35 years of experience and has dedicated the firm to consumer bankruptcy.
  • Bilingual
    Our legal team is bilingual and serve our clients in English and Spanish.
  • Immediate Past President of NACBA
    John C. Colwell has been a member of NACBA for 25 years and is the Immediate Past President.
  • Personal Approach
    We are a family-oriented business, committed to helping you get relief from debt.
  • Affordable

    We offer free consultations and take online payments for your convenience.

Contact Us Today

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Hear From Our Happy Clients

At Debt Relief Legal Clinic, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    “I would wholeheartedly recommend this business to any of my family and friends.”
    I decided to use this company for help with my business needs. The assistant Vanessa was extremely helpful and easy to work with! I would wholeheartedly recommend this business to any of my family and friends.
    - Vera L.
    “They made me feel like family. I could always call them for any questions and they would help me out.”
    I'm so grateful to the Debt Relief Legal Clinic, they are very professional. They made me feel like family. I could always call them for any questions and they would help me out. The process was very easy and I felt very confident that I was in the best hands. The staff was very efficient and professional. Thank you very much to all the staff and to Dan, I could not have made it through this without you. I highly recommend Debt Relief Legal Clinic to anyone in need of their services. Thank you very much.
    - Elizabeth O.
    “I can't say enough about how wonderful the staff and the attorneys are to work with through the process.”
    I want to recommend the Debt Relief Clinic for their wonderful service and knowledge, which you need when you're at a tough time in your life. I can't say enough about how wonderful the staff and the attorneys are to work with through the process. They give wonderful advice and always answer any questions very quickly. I really recommend this law firm.
    - Laura M.
    “They were prompt and reminded me often of what the next requirements were so that I never skipped a beat.”
    Mr. Colwell and his team were awesome in assisting me through what started as a Chapter 13 and converted to a Chapter 7. They were prompt and reminded me often of what the next requirements were so that I never skipped a beat. The courts know his team and work with them to see to it that matters get resolved quickly. I would encourage anyone considering bankruptcy to contact DRLC first!
    - Lisa H.
    “We went to DRLC and from start to finish they were our rock. They made everything seem so easy and go so smoothly.”
    Last year after my husband lost his job and we found ourselves in a bit of a financial mess. We went to DRLC and from start to finish they were our rock. They made everything seem so easy and go so smoothly. From the ladies in the office to the lawyers in the back, a special shout out to Daniel Weidecker. He was there for us, went to bat for us when there was a complication and the end result was handled exactly as they said. So if you find yourself needing to get out of debt don't hesitate and call DRLC, they are amazing.
    - Denice M.
    “He basically held our hands throughout the whole process and made it much less stressful for us.”
    Mr. Colwell is an excellent attorney.  Thanks to him, my husband and I have a new start without being mired in credit card debt.  He basically held our hands throughout the whole process and made it much less stressful for us. Thank you, Mr. Colwell!
    - Chris A.
    “Mr. Colwell goes the extra mile for his clients! I really appreciated his time and extra time for a zoom meeting during covid-19 pandemic to answer my additional questions prior to discharge!”

    Mr. John Colwell and his team helped me get through chapter 7 without a glitch! I'm so thankful for the support I received over the past year. I had lots of life changes this past year and I knew what I needed to do financially and who to call. I met Mr. Colwell in 2002 when I needed support and a chapter 7. He also helped my husband with his chapter 13. I was so happy he was still in downtown SD all these years later and available to meet with me when I was ready. Mr. Colwell goes the extra mile for his clients! I really appreciated his time and extra time for a zoom mtg. during covid-19 pandemic to answer my additional questions prior to discharge! Financial Freedom is an awesome feeling! I'm looking forward to what comes next in life!! Won't be making the same mistakes. Live and learn! I recommend it! Thank you so much! Stay safe!   

    - Lori Kalman Adkins
    “John C. Colwell makes every effort to get the help you need, with no catch! No hidden fees, costs, or surprises.”

    It it is a tremendous relief, there is such a business as Debt Relief Legal Clinic!! I learned about DRLC from a close friend who had to file chapter 7 some years ago. This place has 30 Years of Bankruptcy Experience and demonstrates a highly proficient and professional approach to personal debt matters. John C. Colwell makes every effort to get the help you need, with no catch! No hidden fees, costs, or surprises. He is very honest and upfront from your initial consultation, about the likelihood of the outcome of your case, and the process- which is simple and very straightforward. His fees are EXTREMELY reasonable considering the professional and efficient service provided- you can even make payments for the fees (worth every penny to walk away debt free!). As part of the process, you will learn, you are required to take a couple of online classes. The classes are designed to educate you, to manage your debt moving forward, and remaining debt-free...avoiding the trouble you got yourself into in the first place. The fact DRLC has a practice that not only eliminates or consolidates your debt (depending on your case), but guides you to to remain debt-free, shows the sign of a company with a true vested interest in your success of becoming (and staying) debt-free! You could not ask for anything more from a firm of this type. I HIGHLY recommend anyone feeling the pains or stress of being in debt to (at the very least), consider a consultation with DRLC. You will forever be grateful for a service of this type, that navigates you through a (seemingly) overwhelming process.

    - CD O.