How does chapter 13 differ from chapter 7?

The both, chapter 7 and Chapter 13, are consumer bankruptcy filing. The ultimate goal of both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a discharge of debts and allow debtor a fresh start. In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, a trustee can take the non exempt property, sell it and distribute the proceeds to your creditors so that they are repaid to the extent possible. Only those who pass the income "means test" can file Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Assuming you pass the means test and include all your debts in your paperwork, your debts are likely to be discharged within 4-6 months.

If you did not pass mean test that is you have income sufficient to make full timely payments to credtiors. Chapter 13 (sometimes called a "wage earner plan") allows an individual to pay his or her debts over an extended period. You must file a debt repayment plan with the bankruptcy court to repay all or a portion of your debts. Using a court-approved, supervised, and enforced payment plan. Chapter 13 bankruptcy filers help create their own payment plans, which give them three to five years to pay personal debt from their disposable incomes. You income is supervised and disposbale money is used to make full timely payments to credtiors. All creditors need be paid for the portion of funds available and unpaid amounts will be discharged (with some exceptions). Disposable income is whatever left after necessary expenses, like food and shelter, have been paid.

In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, individuals are often allowed to keep their property.

Why do people choose to file chapter 7 over chapter 13 bankruptcy?

The primary differences between a chapter 7 and a chapter 13 bankruptcy filing are as follows:

1. chapter 7 tends to have lower fees. However, you can file for chapter 13 more quickly since the fees can be paid overtime. You cannot file for chapter 7 until you have paid all of the fees.
2. If a debtor cannot afford to repay creditors for three or five years in a Chapter 13 plan, it may be best to file for Chapter 7 (if qualified).
3. It takes three to five months for a bankruptcy court to issue a discharge order. After discharge, the debtor no longer has personal liability for the discharged debt.
4. Chapter 7 will free the debtor from personal liability for the most debt. Dischargeable debt includes credit card debt, medical bills, and personal loans.
5. In chapter 7, you can keep only your exempt property, and the trustee may sell much of the rest to pay your creditors. In chapter 13, you may generally keep all of your assets.
6. You can qualify for chapter 13 filings only if you have regular income and debts below a certain level. If you do not have a regular income and have significant debts, chapter 7 may be a better choice for you.