Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney in Phoenix, AZ
Schedule Chapter 13 bankruptcy services in Phoenix, AZ and the Greater Valley Area.
Are You in Need of a Phoenix Chapter 13 Lawyer?
If you're feeling overwhelmed by debt but earn a regular income, Chapter 13 bankruptcy might be the right solution for you. Many people choose Chapter 13 because it allows them to:
- Catch up on missed mortgage or car payments
- Prevent foreclosure or repossession
- Keep valuable assets that might be lost under Chapter 7
- Stop creditor harassment and collection lawsuits
- Consolidate their debts into one monthly payment over three to five years
If any of these apply to you, it may be time to consult with a Chapter 13 attorney in Phoenix. At Hilltop Law Firm, we take the time to understand your unique financial situation and goals. We'll help you decide whether Chapter 13 is your best path forward. If you choose this solution, we’ll craft a manageable plan that protects what matters most.
Why Choose Hilltop Law Firm Over Other Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Lawyers in Phoenix?
Chapter 13 bankruptcy could be the best choice if you’re behind on secured debts like your mortgage or auto loan, have regular income, and want to stop foreclosure or repossession. It allows you to reorganize your debts and pay them off over time, typically three to five years, while keeping your property.
The Chapter 13 process is complex and involves detailed court filings, a trustee-managed repayment plan, and strict budgeting. That’s why it’s so important to work with an experienced Phoenix bankruptcy attorney who understands the process from start to finish.
At Hilltop Law Firm, we’re here to listen, explain your options, and walk beside you every step of the way. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Free consultation – so you can understand your options with no upfront cost.
- Zoom consultations available – offering legal guidance without leaving your home.
- Hundreds of filings across Maricopa County – with experience navigating local courts and procedures.
- Clear communication and client-focused service – so you’re never left wondering where your case stands.
- Multilingual support in English, Spanish, and French – to serve a diverse Arizona community with ease.
- Flexible payment plans for eligible clients – helping make bankruptcy relief more accessible.
- Honest, responsive, and respectful – so you always feel heard and supported.
- Personalized strategies—not cookie-cutter solutions – because every financial situation is different.
- Knowledgeable about Arizona bankruptcy law – ensuring your case is handled with skill and accuracy.
Save Your Assets and Lower Your Payments
Is your debt overwhelming? Are you facing foreclosure? Chapter 13 bankruptcy lets you reorganize your debt and retain your assets. Call (602) 466-9631 to learn more today.
Reasons to See a Lawyer Right Away
The sooner you speak with an attorney, the more options you'll have available to protect your assets and resolve your debt. Even if you're only beginning to consider bankruptcy, consulting with a Chapter 13 lawyer early could be one of the best decisions you ever make. Here’s why:
- Immediate Protection: Filing initiates an automatic stay, stopping foreclosure, wage garnishment, and creditor harassment.
- Time-Sensitive Relief: If you're behind on mortgage or car payments, acting quickly can help you keep your property.
- Avoid Mistakes: Bankruptcy rules are strict, and early legal guidance helps prevent errors that could derail your case.
- Customized Debt Strategy: We help you weigh all your options, not just bankruptcy, and choose the best one for your long-term financial health.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that a qualified attorney is advocating for you can reduce the emotional stress that often accompanies financial hardship.
What Is Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Phoenix?
Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a reorganization bankruptcy designed for individuals with a steady income who want to repay their debts without losing their assets. Unlike Chapter 7, which eliminates qualifying debts outright, Chapter 13 involves a court-approved repayment plan that lasts three to five years.
Once the plan is complete, any remaining eligible debts are discharged. During the repayment period, you’ll make monthly payments to a bankruptcy trustee, who distributes the funds to your creditors.
Who Qualifies for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
To qualify for Chapter 13 in Phoenix, you must:
- Have a reliable source of income to support monthly payments
- Owe less than $2.75 million in total secured and unsecured debts
- Be current on tax filings
- Have not filed a prior bankruptcy that was dismissed within the past 180 days for failure to comply with court orders
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, Hilltop Law Firm can review your financial details and help you determine if Chapter 13 is the right option or if there may be a better alternative.
Stop Foreclosure in Phoenix and Make a New Plan
Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows you to halt foreclosure proceedings and catch up on past-due balances. The benefits of filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy include:
- Save your home from foreclosure!
- Lower your debt payments
- Eliminate a second mortgage
- Reschedule secured debts
- Catch up on past due balances
- Freeze interest on loans and back taxes
How an Attorney Can Help
Bankruptcy law is highly technical and often intimidating for those unfamiliar with the legal system. Having a qualified attorney by your side offers crucial benefits:
- Evaluate your eligibility for Chapter 13 or Chapter 7 based on your income, assets, and debt load
- Develop a customized repayment plan that fits within your budget and meets court requirements
- Prepare and file all necessary documents with the bankruptcy court
- Communicate with your creditors and the bankruptcy trustee on your behalf
- Ensure compliance with deadlines, court procedures, and post-filing requirements
- Represent you at all hearings, including the mandatory meeting of creditors (341 meeting)
Attempting to file bankruptcy on your own increases the risk of costly mistakes, delays, or even dismissal of your case. Hilltop Law Firm ensures every step of your case is handled accurately and efficiently so you can move forward with peace of mind.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy with Hilltop Law Firm in Phoenix
Chapter 13 bankruptcy may be the best option if you have a steady income, but you need some breathing room to pay off your debts. It’s important to find a lawyer who knows how to calculate the ideal plan to save you money.
The first step is to sit down with an experienced bankruptcy lawyer to determine the best route for you to take. If you choose Chapter 13 bankruptcy, your lawyer will examine your income, expenses, and debt to devise a repayment plan that works for you.
Chapter 13 is a reorganization plan that’s based on your current income. Individuals are eligible to file for Chapter 13, which lets you eliminate unsecured debts that aren’t secured by collateral or lien. Debts that may be discharged include:
- Credit cards
- Medical bills
- Some types of taxes
- Unsecured personal loans
- Payday loans
- Utility bills
Some types of debts cannot be eliminated in Chapter 13 bankruptcy, including spousal support, student loans, recent taxes, court fees, child support, penalties, fines, and restitution.
Facing Foreclosure or Repossession?
Chapter 13 could help you keep your home or car. Schedule your free consultation by calling (602) 466-9631 today.
Protecting Your Property
In addition to correctly filing all your paperwork, your Phoenix Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer will also help you get the best possible deal. That means negotiating to lower your payments and allowing you to keep as much property as possible.
Arizona law determines which property is exempt in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. It’s crucial to find an attorney who will help you hold on to as many of your possessions as possible. Arizona allows exemptions for the following types of property up to certain dollar amounts:
- Primary residence
- Tools used for work
- Furniture
- Clothes
- Books
- Appliances
- Jewelry
- Pets
- Guns
- Bicycles
- Musical instruments
- Pensions
- Bank accounts
- Retirement accounts
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Might Be a Better Fit for You
If your income is below the state median and you have few or no assets you’re worried about losing, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be a better fit. Chapter 7 is a faster process (typically resolved in 3 to 6 months) that allows for the discharge of most unsecured debts without a repayment plan.
It’s important to remember that Chapter 7 doesn’t offer the same protections if you’re trying to save your home from foreclosure or catch up on secured debts. It’s best suited for people with limited income and high unsecured debt.
Credit Restructuring or Debt Negotiation
In some cases, bankruptcy can be avoided altogether. If you’re behind on a few accounts but still have a good income, Hilltop Law Firm can help negotiate with your creditors to reduce balances, waive fees, or arrange lower monthly payments. This informal route doesn’t involve court filings and can be resolved more privately.
We may also discuss debt consolidation options, which allow you to roll multiple debts into a single, manageable monthly payment, often with lower interest rates.
What Clients Are Saying About Us
“Recently Filed for Chapter 7. Consider Cy.” - Ima Loozer (5-Star Google Review)
I have recently filed for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. Cy Hainey at Hilltop Law Firm made every attempt to make my journey easy or at least understandable. Dealing with any government office is never easy, and Cy made this event manageable. If you are ever in need of a quality attorney, consider Cy; I’m glad I did.
“You Will Not Find a Better Bankruptcy Lawyer” -Gustavo Cornejo (5-Star Google Review)
Very good service, very friendly, answers all your questions, and gives you real solutions. You will not find a better bankruptcy lawyer than this; excellent service.
“Mr. Cy Hainey Was Pleasant [and] Didn’t Let Down” - Joan Jackson (5-Star Google Review)
Called Hilltop Law Firm. From day one to the closing of my case, speaking with Mr. Cy Hainey was pleasant. He explained the process that he would take. I trusted him. He didn’t let me down. Hilltop Law Firm saved me from restless nights and abuse. I highly recommend!!!
Speak With a Trusted Chapter 13 Attorney in Phoenix Today
Overwhelmed by debt but want to keep your home or car? A Chapter 13 bankruptcy plan could give you the structure you need to catch up and move forward.
Contact Hilltop Law Firm today at (602) 466-9631 to schedule your free consultation and find out if Chapter 13 is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?
Chapter 13 is a type of bankruptcy that allows individuals in Phoenix with regular income to repay some or all of their debts over a 3- to 5-year period through a court-approved repayment plan. It helps protect assets like your home or car while catching up on missed payments.
How Does Chapter 13 Differ from Chapter 7?
Chapter 13 reorganizes debt into manageable payments, while Chapter 7 liquidates non-exempt assets to eliminate debt. Chapter 13 is often used by people who want to save their home from foreclosure or have an income that’s too high to qualify for Chapter 7.
Can Chapter 13 Stop a Foreclosure in Arizona?
Yes. Filing for Chapter 13 triggers an automatic stay, which halts foreclosure. Your repayment plan can include missed mortgage payments, allowing you to catch up and keep your home over time.
Do I Have to Pay All My Debts in Chapter 13?
Not necessarily. The amount you repay depends on your income, expenses, and type of debt. Unsecured debts like credit cards may only be partially repaid, and the remaining balance can be discharged at the end of the plan.
How Long Does a Chapter 13 Plan Last?
Repayment plans typically last 3 to 5 years. The duration depends on your income level and how much you owe.
Will I Lose My Property in Chapter 13 in Arizona?
No. Chapter 13 allows you to keep your assets, including non-exempt property, as long as you follow your repayment plan.
What Types of Debts Can Be Included in a Chapter 13 Plan?
You can include secured debts (like mortgages and car loans), unsecured debts (like credit cards), tax debt, child support arrears, and more, though some debts must be paid in full.
Who qualifies for Chapter 13 bankruptcy?
To qualify for Chapter 13, you must have a steady income and your secured and unsecured debts must fall within certain limits. You also must be able to demonstrate that you can afford to make regular monthly payments under a court-approved repayment plan.
Will Chapter 13 stop wage garnishments?
Yes. As soon as your case is filed, an automatic stay goes into effect that stops most wage garnishments, collection calls, and lawsuits. This protection continues as long as you stay current with your payment plan.
Meet Cy and Samantha Hainey
Cy T. Hainey
Cy T. Hainey is the founding attorney of Hilltop Law Firm, where he focuses exclusively on representing individuals throughout Arizona in personal bankruptcy matters, including Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings, debt settlement, and debt collection defense. With nearly a decade of legal experience and a professional background in banking, Cy offers clients practical, strategic guidance during some of the most financially stressful times in their lives.
Cy’s legal approach is shaped by his commitment to clear communication, responsiveness, and tailored solutions. Whether helping someone stop a foreclosure, restructure unmanageable debt, or find a path to financial relief, he focuses on lifting the burden off his clients' shoulders and empowering them to move forward with confidence. Cy speaks English, Spanish, and French, and is proud to serve a diverse client base across the Phoenix area and beyond.
Samantha Hainey
Samantha Hainey leads Client Services and Operations at Hilltop Law Firm, bringing over 22 years of experience in customer service, account management, and business operations to her role. With a strong focus on client care and communication, Samantha ensures that every person who contacts the firm feels heard, informed, and supported throughout their legal process. Fluent in German, she is passionate about connecting with people from diverse backgrounds.
Before joining Hilltop in 2021, Samantha served as Vice President of Client Services in the global mobility industry, where she managed large-scale client relationships and led an office of more than 30 team members. Her background gives her a deep understanding of how to build trust, streamline systems, and provide high-level support. Samantha works closely with attorney Cy Hainey to create a seamless, empathetic experience for each client.
Additional Information
- Can Someone Pay Off a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Early in Phoenix?
- How Does Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Affect Your Credit in Phoenix?
- Bankruptcy Warning Signs According to Bankruptcy Attorneys
- What a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Repayment Plan Could Look Like