What is Chapter 13 bankruptcy and how does it work in New York?

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a court-approved repayment plan that allows individuals to reorganize and pay off debts over 3 to 5 years. It’s ideal for people with steady income who want to keep their home or car while catching up on missed payments. If you live in White Plains, Bedford Hills, or anywhere in Westchester County, Chapter 13 can help you stop foreclosure and reduce or eliminate unsecured debts.

Who qualifies for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in New York?

To qualify, you must have regular income and your secured and unsecured debts must fall within certain limits. Chapter 13 is a good fit for individuals who have fallen behind on mortgage or car payments but want to protect their assets. A local bankruptcy attorney can evaluate your eligibility based on your financial situation and updated debt limits.

Will Chapter 13 stop foreclosure on my home?

Yes. Filing for Chapter 13 immediately stops foreclosure through an automatic stay. You can use the repayment plan to catch up on mortgage arrears over time while keeping your home. This is a powerful tool for homeowners in Westchester County who want to save their property in areas like White Plains and Bedford Hills.

What types of debt can be included in a Chapter 13 plan?

Your Chapter 13 plan can include mortgage arrears, car loans, credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, and some tax debt. In certain cases, you may be able to reduce or eliminate unsecured debts entirely. Our office can help you create a plan that fits your budget and complies with New York bankruptcy laws.

How long does Chapter 13 bankruptcy last?

Chapter 13 repayment plans typically last three to five years, depending on your income and debt level. After completing the plan, any remaining qualifying unsecured debt is usually discharged. Throughout the plan, you’ll make one affordable monthly payment to a bankruptcy trustee.

Can I keep my car and home if I file Chapter 13 in New York?

Yes. One of the key benefits of Chapter 13 is that it helps you keep your home and car while catching up on missed payments. It can even help you lower your car loan balance or reduce interest rates in some cases.

What happens if I miss a Chapter 13 payment?

Missing a payment could put your case at risk of dismissal, but the court often allows you to request a modification or temporarily suspend payments if you act quickly. Our firm can help you respond to changes in your financial situation and keep your case on track.

How can The Law Office of Charles A. Higgs help with my Chapter 13 case?

With offices in White Plains and Bedford Hills, we guide clients across Westchester County through every step of the Chapter 13 process. From stopping foreclosure to negotiating affordable repayment terms, we offer personalized support to help you protect your assets and regain control of your finances.

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Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorneys

Representing Clients in Westchester County, Rockland County, Orange County, Putnam County, Bronx County, NYC, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Long Island, and the surrounding areas.

Explore your options for catching up on mortgage payments, managing debt, and protecting your home with the Law Office of Charles A. Higgs.

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CONTACT US TODAY: (914) 517-3033

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How We Can Help

Explore options for protecting your home
If you are behind on mortgage payments or facing foreclosure, we can evaluate whether Chapter 13 offers a path to keeping your home and catching up on arrears.

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Develop a workable repayment plan


We review your income, expenses, and debts to help determine whether a Chapter 13 plan can fit your financial circumstances and meet court requirements.

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Address debt and creditor pressure


We explain how bankruptcy may affect collection lawsuits, wage garnishments, credit card balances, medical bills, and other debts.

Guide you throughout your case


From preparing your filing to addressing creditor objections and changes in your finances, our office helps you navigate the Chapter 13 process.

Bankruptcy and Foreclosure Experience Working Together

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The Law Office of Charles A. Higgs represents individuals and homeowners in Chapter 13 bankruptcy and foreclosure litigation. His experience in both areas helps clients evaluate their options when mortgage arrears, creditor lawsuits, and other debts overlap.

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At the Law Office of Charles A. Higgs, we take the time to understand your income, expenses, and goals, explain your options clearly, and help you determine whether Chapter 13 is a practical path forward.

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Based in Mt. Kisco, we serve clients throughout Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, and Orange Counties. We also serve clients in NYC, the Surrounding Boroughs, and Long Island.

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Benefits of Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Stop Foreclosure and Save Your Home

One of the biggest benefits of Chapter 13 bankruptcy is the ability to stop foreclosure and protect your home. Filing for Chapter 13 immediately triggers the automatic stay, which halts foreclosure proceedings and collection actions. This gives homeowners in Westchester County, NY time to catch up on missed mortgage payments through an affordable repayment plan while keeping their property.

Consolidate and Manage Debt with a Repayment Plan

Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows you to reorganize your debts into one manageable monthly payment based on your income and financial situation. Instead of juggling multiple creditors, you make a single payment to a trustee. This benefit helps individuals in White Plains, Brooklyn, Queens, NYC, and the surrounding areas regain control of their finances without the pressure of collection calls or lawsuits.Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows you to reorganize your debts into one manageable monthly payment based on your income and financial situation. Instead of juggling multiple creditors, you make a single payment to a trustee. This benefit helps individuals  regain control of their finances without the pressure of collection calls or lawsuits.

Protect Valuable Assets from Liquidation

Unlike Chapter 7, which may require selling non-exempt property, Chapter 13 bankruptcy lets you keep your home, car, and other important assets. By committing to a court-approved repayment plan, you can protect your property while reducing or eliminating unsecured debt, making Chapter 13 an excellent choice for individuals who want to preserve what they’ve worked hard to build.

Eliminate or Reduce Unsecured Debt

Another major advantage of Chapter 13 is that it allows you to eliminate or significantly reduce unsecured debts, such as credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills. At the end of your repayment plan, any remaining qualifying unsecured debt is discharged, giving you a fresh financial start without losing your assets.

What is Chapter 13 bankruptcy and how does it work in New York?

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Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a court-approved repayment plan that allows individuals to reorganize and pay off debts over 3 to 5 years. It’s ideal for people with steady income who want to keep their home or car while catching up on missed payments. Wherever you live in New York, whether its White Plains, Bedford Hills, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, or any of the surrounding areas, Chapter 13 can help you stop foreclosure and reduce or eliminate unsecured debts.

Who qualifies for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in New York?

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To qualify, you must have regular income and your secured and unsecured debts must fall within certain limits. Chapter 13 is a good fit for individuals who have fallen behind on mortgage or car payments but want to protect their assets. A local bankruptcy attorney can evaluate your eligibility based on your financial situation and updated debt limits.

Will Chapter 13 stop foreclosure on my home?

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Yes. Filing for Chapter 13 immediately stops foreclosure through an automatic stay. You can use the repayment plan to catch up on mortgage arrears over time while keeping your home. This is a powerful tool for homeowners in Westchester County, Rockland County, Kings County, Queens County, Putnam County, and NYC who want to save their property.

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