Chapter 13 Frequently Asked Questions

When is my first payment due?

Your first payment is due within 30 days of getting your case number from our office. Be sure to check your texts from us to determine what date you filed.

How do I make my Chapter 13 payment?

1. Wage Deduction: If you have a job, the Chapter 13 Trustee will send a wage deduction order to your employer requiring them to withhold your Chapter 13 payment from your paycheck. This can take several weeks to start, so you will usually need to send a payment in yourself until your wage deduction begins.
2. Mailing a Money Order: A money order or cashier's check can be mailed to the Chapter 13 Trustee at Linda B. Gore, POB 205, Gadsden, AL 35902. Your case number MUST be written on your payment. DO NOT send cash or checks. Please keep in mind that it can take up to 5 business days after mailing a payment for it to reach the Trustee.
3. Online or By Phone: You can use a company called TFS to make payments by phone or online. You can call: 1-888-729-2413 or online at www.tfsbillpay.com. We have no relationship to TFS, so if you have questions about the payment you make with them, you must contact them directly. Please keep in mind it can take up to 5 business days from the date of payment to reach the Trustee.

Do I owe a Chapter 13 filing fee?

Every case that is filed will owe a filing fee, but it is calculated into your Chapter 13 payment. You do not have to pay a separate filing fee.

What is a 341 Meeting of Creditors?

The 341 Meeting of Creditors is a hearing where the Chapter 13 trustee and your creditors get an opportunity to ask you about your case. These hearings are handled over the telephone. Every Debtor must call in for this hearing. Most of the time, creditors do not attend. Your attorney will be present. Typically, the hearing is complete within one hour. You will get an email and text reminders of this hearing.

When is my 341 Meeting of Creditors?

The 341 Meeting of Creditors is held approximately 30 days after you get a case number. We will email you the date, time and call-in instructions shortly after you get a case number. 

What if I need to reschedule my 341 Meeting of Creditors?

Call our office to discuss the options.

What is a confirmation hearing?

The confirmation hearing is the hearing where the Judge approves your Chapter 13 bankruptcy plan. It typically happens 60-90 days after you get a case number.

Do I have to attend my confirmation hearing?

Most clients do not have to attend the confirmation hearing. If we need you there, we will call you and let you know.

What does it mean if the Trustee has filed an "Objection to Confirmation"?

Do not panic. This is standard and almost ALL Chapter 13 Debtors get an "Objection to Confirmation" from the Trustee. We can usually resolve all issues with the Trustee as long as your payments are current. We will call you if we have questions.

How can I keep track of my payments?

You can create an account at www.ndc.org. You will need your case number and Trustee’s name to set up an account.

What do I do if one of my creditors calls?

If any creditor calls, give them your bankruptcy case number and tell them to call our office with questions.

When will I get my title back to my vehicle?

You are not entitled to get your vehicle title back until after your Chapter 13 discharge. Once you get your discharge order in the mail, expect it will take about 4-6 weeks to receive your title. Once you have a discharge, you are welcome to call the creditor to request the title.

What do I do if I fall behind on my Chapter 13 payments?

Call our office. Do NOT call the Trustee's office.

What kind of house and car insurance should I have?

Make sure that you keep full coverage insurance on your cars and home that are in Chapter 

What about liens filed at the Probate Court?

It is your responsibility to give us a copy of all liens filed at the Probate Court.

How long will my bankruptcy show up on my credit report after I file?

Bankruptcy will typically show up on your credit report for 10 years after your discharge.

How will bankruptcy affect my credit score?

Bankruptcy has varying effects on credit scores, depending on the individual and his or her credit history. Some credit scores may improve while others will be lowered by a bankruptcy filing. We cannot estimate how your credit score will be affected by your bankruptcy score.

How will bankruptcy affect the credit scores of my co-signers?

The credit scores of your co-signers may be affected by your bankruptcy case. This will vary depending on individual factors. We cannot estimate how your credit score or the credit score of your co-signers will be affected by your bankruptcy filing.

I have a bankruptcy case number. Why is my credit report still not cleared up?

Credit reports will NOT be fully updated until 3-6 months AFTER your bankruptcy is over. If you see something on your credit report that looks wrong, please contact the credit bureau to dispute it. Our office has no relationship with credit bureaus and cannot address credit report errors.

What is the requirement to complete a financial management course?

The bankruptcy law requires each Debtor complete a course on financial management. Our office will email you instructions on how to complete this course after you get your case number.

When will I receive a copy of my Chapter 13 Petition?

You will receive a copy of your petition via email shortly after you file with us.

What if my address or phone number changes?

Be sure to keep your address and phone number updated while in Chapter 13. 

Can I take out new loans or get into more debt while in my Chapter 13?

No new debts, except medical bills, are allowed without prior court approval.

What should I do if I get a pay increase?

During your bankruptcy, if you get a pay raise that is greater than a cost-of-living increase, please send us proof of income.

What to do if I switch jobs?

The important thing is to try to keep payments current best you can. Until we can get a new wage deduction started, be sure you send in payments directly to the Trustee. In order to get a new wage deduction started, you need to call or email our office with the name and mailing address of your new employer as well as the frequency of your pay periods (weekly, biweekly, monthly.) Also, we will need copies of your first two paychecks that reflect a full working period.