People going through a bad financial phase often opt for bankruptcy to get rid of their debts. Individuals can either opt to liquidate their non-exempt property to pay their creditors under Chapter 7 bankruptcy or choose to repay their loans over a period of 3-5 years in Chapter 13 bankruptcy. However, if some claims persist even after the repayment plan is over, does the individual have the option of extending the repayment plan? According to Dallas based bankruptcy law firm Recovery Law Group, such a provision is not possible. However, expert bankruptcy lawyers at 888-297-6023 inform that you can always find a way around to get things done.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy involves a repayment plan which is devised based on your disposable income. However, some debts might survive despite the repayment plan. Unless these dues are cleared, you cannot get your bankruptcy discharge. In case of such a situation, the bankruptcy trustee might file a motion to dismiss your bankruptcy case. If your repayment plan is over and you lack the additional money to pay, your case might be dismissed which will result in your unpaid interest on credit cards due. Fresh out of bankruptcy and with a huge amount of debts, you will not be able to file for respite also. It is therefore important to look for alternative solutions.
Dismissal of a bankruptcy case will allow your unsecured creditors to stake claim to their dues. Since Chapter 13 bankruptcy repayment plan cannot be extended beyond 60 months, and dismissal of the case by the trustee is something you cannot afford, you need to file an opposition to the bankruptcy trustee’s motion of dismissing your case. Your bankruptcy attorney can ask the court for additional time to pay the remaining money.
If the court agrees to continue a hearing on this matter you get time to pay your debts. Your lawyer can also ask the bankruptcy trustee to agree for continuing the hearing. This will provide you extra time to clear the debts. Though officially you cannot modify or extend your repayment plan, no law prevents a trustee from accepting voluntary payments with respect to your debts beyond your repayment plan. In case the trustee does not agree, the proposal can be presented to a judge who might agree if your Chapter 13 repayment record is excellent.