Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney Pittsburgh & Western PA | Foster Law Offices
Attorney meeting with family about Chapter 13 bankruptcy

Bankruptcy Protection

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy:
Keep What You've Built

Reorganize your debt into a manageable repayment plan — and protect your home, car, and assets — with compassionate legal guidance from Foster Law Offices.

Overview

What Is Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Chapter 13 — often referred to as the "homesaver plan" — allows individuals with regular income to develop a plan to repay all or part of their debts, for pennies on the dollar, over a period of 3 to 5 years.

Chapter 13 is especially powerful for homeowners facing foreclosure, individuals with assets they want to protect, or those who don't qualify for Chapter 7 due to income.

At Foster Law Offices, we guide you through every step — from evaluating your options to filing your plan and representing you at all court hearings.

3–5 Years
Structured repayment plan
Keep Home
Stop foreclosure & catch up
Immediate
Automatic stay protection
Rebuild
Credit recovery path

Is It Right for You?

Who Benefits Most from Chapter 13?

Homeowners Facing Foreclosure

Chapter 13 stops foreclosure immediately and lets you catch up on missed mortgage payments over the life of your plan — keeping your family in your home.

Those Who Don't Qualify for Chapter 7

If your income is too high to pass the Chapter 7 means test, Chapter 13 provides an alternative path to debt relief with a structured repayment plan.

Individuals with Tax or Support Debts

Certain debts like back taxes, child support, and alimony cannot be discharged but can be repaid in an organized, manageable way through a Chapter 13 plan.

Those Wanting a Structured Fresh Start

Chapter 13 gives you a clear, court-approved roadmap to becoming debt-free — with legal protection from creditors every step of the way.

Suburban family home protected by Chapter 13 bankruptcy

Chapter 13 is the #1 tool for saving homes. Filing immediately stops foreclosure and gives you time to catch up — on your terms.

The Process

How the Chapter 13 Repayment Plan Works

A clear, step-by-step path from filing to financial freedom — with Foster Law Offices guiding you every step of the way.

01

Free Consultation

We review your income, debts, and assets to determine if Chapter 13 is the right path — and what your monthly plan payment would look like.

02

File Your Petition

We prepare and file your bankruptcy petition with the court. An automatic stay immediately goes into effect, halting all collection actions, foreclosure, and garnishments.

03

Propose Your Repayment Plan

We draft a 3–5 year repayment plan based on your disposable income. The plan prioritizes secured debts (mortgage, car) and distributes remaining funds to unsecured creditors.

04

Plan Confirmation Hearing

A bankruptcy trustee reviews your plan. We represent you at the confirmation hearing and address any objections from creditors to get your plan approved by the court.

05

Make Monthly Payments

You make a single monthly payment to the trustee, who distributes funds to your creditors according to the plan. We monitor your case throughout the repayment period.

06

Receive Your Discharge

Upon completing all plan payments, the court issues a discharge order eliminating any remaining eligible unsecured debts. You emerge debt-free with a clear financial future.

Chapter 13 Completion Process

The Chapter 13 process can be complex — we are here to walk you through every step. See exactly how your case moves from the final month of your repayment plan all the way through to your discharge.

View Flow Chart

Comparison

Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13

Feature
Chapter 7
Chapter 13
Timeline
4–6 months
3–5 years
Keep Home
If current on payments
Yes — catch up arrears
Keep Car
If current on payments
Yes — catch up arrears
Income Limit
Must pass means test
Must have regular income
Asset Protection
Exempt assets only
Keep all assets
Stops Foreclosure
Temporarily
Yes — permanently if plan completed
Tax Debts
Some older debts only
Repay over plan period
Credit Report
10 years
7 years

Not sure which chapter is right for you? Schedule a free consultation and we'll help you decide.

Common Questions

Chapter 13 FAQ

Ready to Protect What Matters Most?

A Chapter 13 repayment plan could be the lifeline your family needs. Call Foster Law Offices today for a free, confidential consultation — no obligation, no judgment.

Serving Allegheny, Butler, Washington, Lawrence, Mercer & New Castle counties.