For anyone thinking about filing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the advice of a competent attorney is indispensable. For professional Chapter 13 attorneys Portland Oregon offers many options, but be careful to select a law firm that specializes in this complex type of filing.
Use an Attorney to File
While many debtors are attracted to the idea of filing “pro se,” or without an attorney, this is a very bad plan for someone who intends to file a Chapter 13 case. The huge majority of people who file a Chapter 13 do so because their income is too high to file under the more common Chapter 7.
Chapter 13 is not Chapter 7
A Chapter 13, in any case, is very different from a Chapter 7. The Chapter 13 does not liquidate debts but rather sets up a repayment plan under the auspices of the court. The plans typically run for three to five years. Some straightforward Chapter 7 bankruptcies are filed without the help of an attorney, but Chapter 13 cases, because there must be a long-term repayment plan to debtors, and because certain types of debts are not included in all repayment plans, should never be filed pro se, or without legal assistance.
The Repayment Proposal is Crucial
An attorney with experience filing Chapter 13 cases will know how to make a proposal to the court that will be accepted without complication. In fact, unlike Chapter 7 bankruptcies, the Chapter 13 “reorganization” does not dismiss any debts at all. A debtor must propose a specific repayment plan to the court, and the case can’t go forward until the proposal is accepted. Many courts frown on non-attorney filings and are usually more willing to accept debtor proposals that are submitted by a competent, experienced bankruptcy lawyer.
Get Professional Help
If you are thinking about filing bankruptcy, the first thing to do is find an attorney that will work with you on the up-front fees, and who will get your case filed quickly and correctly. Do some online research and ask others who might know a local attorney who specializes in bankruptcy. Don’t leave your financial future to the winds of chance.
