A Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is a very powerful tool to stop foreclosure, repossession, and even wage garnishment. If you have any questions that are not answered below, please read through the Frequently Asked Questions page, Chapter 13 FAQ.
The bankruptcy laws are federal laws that are intended to help consumers have a “fresh start.” This fresh start is designed to eliminate debts and/or repay them under the protection of the bankruptcy court. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy or consolidation is designed to allow the debtor to repay his debts over a period of three to five years.
At Robert A. Higgins & Associates, P. C., the process generally follows the following course:
Initial Consultation
At this meeting, your financial situation is examined. You are presented with several options available to you. If it is agreed that a Chapter 13 bankruptcy is most appropriate, you retain Robert A. Higgins & Associates, P.C. as your legal representation in this matter. In addition, you will be given paper work to fill out and a list of documents needed for this process, (such as tax returns, pay stubs, etc.).
Bring Back
This meeting usually occurs within a week of the initial consultation. We go over your paper work with you to ensure that we have all of the necessary information. If you have any additional questions, they will be answered as well. An accurate estimate of what your monthly payment will be calculated, (this payment amount is only as accurate as the information that you provide to us, so it is very important that you give us all of the information we request).
Signing
This meeting is the last step toward filing. You will review all of the documents and sign the petition. The petition is the document that will be filed with the court and has the amount of your monthly payments. Also at this meeting, you will be told the date that your first payment is due and to whom and what address to make the payment.
Filing
After the signing meeting, we will file your case and notice all of your creditors. Arriving at this point will usually take between two days and three weeks, depending on the urgency of your case and your work schedule.
341 Meeting
Roughly 30-60 days after we file your case, there is a meeting called the 341 meeting or meeting of creditors. This meeting will take place on either a Tuesday or Wednesday at the Trustee’s office.
There are two Standing Chapter 13 Trustee Offices in Fort Worth.
Tim Truman’s Office:
6851 NE Loop 820, Suite 300
North Richland Hills, TX 76180
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Pam Bassel’s Office:
7001 Blvd 26, Suite 150
North Richland Hills, TX 76180
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Begin making monthly payments
Your first monthly payment is due 30 days after we file your case, regardless of whether your 341 meeting has occurred. Make sure that you make this payment on time and you include your name and case number on your payment. Your payment will be made to the following, depending on who is designated as your Chapter 13 Trustee.
Tim Truman, Chapter 13 Trustee
P.O. Box 761076
Fort Worth, TX 76161-0076
Pam Bassel, Chapter 13 Trustee
P.O. Box 1201
Memphis, TN 38101-1201
Discharge
After you have completed all of your payments, you will receive a discharge. This means that you do not owe any of the creditors that were included in your consolidation.
