Chapter 13 Bankruptcies last for 3-5 years in almost every case so it’s common for the debtor to want to check its status. Filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is often a straightforward affair. Most of the work is done on the front end, especially for the debtor. You gather your paperwork, let the lawyer generate the documents, show up to a few meetings and one court hearing, and then wait for the discharge in the mail. Filing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a much longer and more involved process. Debtors want a status on the bankruptcy during that time, to make sure the payments he or she is making are actually doing what they are supposed to do.
Call Your Attorney to Get an Update
If you want a status on your bankruptcy, don’t be afraid to call your attorney to get an update. Your attorney is paid to counsel you not just at the time of filing, but also throughout the bankruptcy. If you have questions or a problem with your Chapter 13, your attorney should be able to help you with that even if you filed the bankruptcy years ago. An experienced bankruptcy attorney will be able to explain the next steps to give you peace of mind.
Check Your Status Online!
You can also get a status on your bankruptcy online. Go to the National Data Center and set up a free account as a Debtor. You will be asked some background questions to verify your identity, similar to the kinds of questions you are asked when you look up your credit report. Once your account is created, you can see all the payments you’ve made to the trustee and where those payments have gone.
Typically, you’ll see payments made in the following order…
- Fees your attorney did not charge up front (but which should be disclosed in the contract)
- Secured claims such as a car loan
- Any mortgage or tax arrearage
- Unsecured creditors such as credit cards.
As a rule, you should see car loans, taxes, and mortgage arrearages being paid in full, if you are near the end of your bankruptcy.
Check Status With Your Attorney Before A Chapter 13 Trustee
Information can be obtained from the Chapter 13 trustee’s office, although calling the trustee should be a last resort. Generally, if the Chapter 13 trustee has to step in and start answering questions about how the bankruptcy case is being handled, the attorney isn’t doing a very good job. At Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC, our experienced bankruptcy attorneys have helped hundreds of people get a fresh start from crushing debts.
You deserve peace of mind when trying to recover your financial stability. Our team can provide answers to all of your frequently asked questions about bankruptcy. We have a proven track record and will aggressively protect your rights. Call (513) 434-6698 or visit our contact page for a free consultation.
