Anyone can encounter unexpected financial problems that can put him and his family in a difficult position. This has been especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused millions of people throughout the United States to lose their jobs or suffer health-related setbacks that have affected their income or resulted in large debts. A family that has struggled to pay ongoing expenses may be concerned that it may face foreclosure if they default on their mortgage. Fortunately, homeowners may be able to receive relief through Chapter 13 bankruptcy. By filing for bankruptcy, homeowners may eliminate certain types of debts and avoid losing their homes.

Addressing a Mortgage During a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

First, filing for bankruptcy will place an automatic stay on any collections by creditors. This will put a halt to foreclosure proceedings that have been initiated by a lender, giving a debtor the necessary breathing room to determine his options. He can then determine what types of debts will be included in his bankruptcy and create arrangements that will allow them to maintain ownership of his home.

During the process of Chapter 13 bankruptcy, a repayment plan will be set up in which a person will pay back some of his debts throughout a period of either three or five years. Once the debtor makes all required payments, he will no longer be required to repay the balance of any unsecured debts that were included in the plan. In addition, any creditor who failed to file notice of its claim will not be required to be paid at all.

Retirement is often considered a chance to sit back and relax—a long-awaited opportunity to spend time with your grandchildren, take a dream vacation, or busy yourself in the garden. However, your pension may not have gone as far as you had hoped, you were burdened with expensive medical bills, or perhaps you just fell on hard times. Sadly, this is all too common and countless U.S. seniors are grappling with overwhelming debt. Filing for a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, however, may be the answer.

According to the The New York Times, bankruptcy is a chance to hit the financial reset button. It is an opportunity to rebuild your life, and to ensure you leave behind money—not debt—for your grandchildren.

Protecting Your Assets 

Many people mistakenly assume that bankruptcy is financial suicide. However, the truth is that bankruptcy has helped millions of Americans start their path toward a debt-free life.

There are several chapters of bankruptcy, with Chapters 7 and 13 being the most common. The eligibility criteria and consequences of filing each chapter vary, and one factor that sets them apart is the possibility of liquidating assets.

What Will Happen to My Property if I File for Bankruptcy?

Each year, thousands of Americans file for bankruptcy as part of their efforts to gain financial control. The bankruptcy process can give debtors a fresh start while also teaching invaluable lessons related to financial management. In many cases, debtors must choose between filing for Chapter 13 and Chapter 7 bankruptcies. Therefore, understanding the breakdown of Chapter 13 bankruptcy can help you decide if it is a smart option for your particular case.

What You Need to Know about Chapter 13 Bankruptcy 

Chapter 13 offers debtors the opportunity to organize debt into a structured payment plan. According to Uscourts.gov, Chapter 13 applicants must meet certain criteria in order to be eligible.