There are several situations where a chapter 13 is preferable to a chapter 7. A chapter 13 bankruptcy is normally for people who have too much income to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy or have the kind of debt that is non- dischargeable in a Chapter 7 (e.g. certain taxes). Also, people file Chapter 13 because they are behind on their mortgage or business payments and are trying to avoid foreclosure. A chapter 13 bankruptcy allows them to make up their overdue payments over time and to reinstate the original agreement. Also, where a debtor has valuable nonexempt property and wants to keep it, a chapter 13 may be a better option.
However, for the vast majority of individuals who simply want to eliminate their heavy debt burden without paying any of it back, Chapter 7 provides the most attractive choice.
There are several situations where a chapter 13 is preferable to a chapter 7. A chapter 13 bankruptcy is normally for people who have too much income to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy or have the kind of debt that is non- dischargeable in a Chapter 7 (e.g. certain taxes). Also, people file Chapter 13 because they are behind on their mortgage or business payments and are trying to avoid foreclosure. A chapter 13 bankruptcy allows them to make up their overdue payments over time and to reinstate the original agreement. Also, where a debtor has valuable nonexempt property and wants to keep it, a chapter 13 may be a better option.
However, for the vast majority of individuals who simply want to eliminate their heavy debt burden without paying any of it back, Chapter 7 provides the most attractive choice.