Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney in Phoenix, AZ
Schedule Chapter 13 bankruptcy services in Phoenix, AZ and the Greater Valley Area.
Why Choose Hilltop Over Other Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Lawyers in Phoenix?
If you’re behind on secured debts like your mortgage or auto loan, have regular income, and want to stop foreclosure or repossession, Chapter 13 bankruptcy could help. 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 not just here to file paperwork. We’re here to listen, explain your options, and walk beside you every step of the way.
- Free consultation
- Zoom consultations available
- Hundreds of filings across Maricopa County
- Clear communication and client-focused service
- Multilingual support in English, Spanish, and French
- Flexible payment plans for eligible clients
- Honest, responsive, and respectful
- Personalized strategies—not cookie-cutter solutions
- Knowledgeable about Arizona bankruptcy law
Save Your Assets. Lower Your Payments
Is your debt overwhelming? Are you facing foreclosure?
Chapter 13 bankruptcy lets you reorganize your debt and retain your assets.
With Chapter 13 bankruptcy, your Phoenix lawyer will create a plan to pay off your debt in three to five years. At the end of your plan, the rest of your qualifying unpaid debts will be erased.
Ready to learn more?
Call (602) 466-9631 to schedule a FREE virtual consultation with Hilltop Law Firm today.
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.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy May Not Be Best for Your Case
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
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.
You don’t have to face this alone. Call Hilltop Law Firm at (602) 466-9631.
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
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.
How the Right Phoenix Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Lawyer Can Help
Chapter 13 is a complicated legal process. You will be filing several documents with the court confirming that you have been completely upfront about your financial situation. If there are any discrepancies in your filing, it could jeopardize the entire Chapter 13 process. Our team at Hilltop Law Firm offers the following Chapter 13 assistance:
- Keeping track of hearings and deadlines
- Maximizing asset protection
- Filing the necessary paperwork
- Shielding you from aggressive creditors
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
We’re on Your Side
Filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a big step on your road to financial independence. You’ll want to have someone by your side who knows what they’re doing.
Hilltop Law Firm provides bankruptcy services in Phoenix, AZ, or any surrounding area. Call (602) 466-9631 to learn more today. You can also use the link below.
We’ll be happy to meet with you in our office, or we can provide a virtual consultation.
What Past Clients Have to Say 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 down. [...] Hilltop Law Firm saved me [from] restless nights and abuse. I highly recommend!!!
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.
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