Chapter 13
Helping you repay your debts over time without losing your hard-earned assets
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney In San Juan, Puerto Rico
What Is A Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?
If you have fallen behind on mortgage or vehicle payments, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy may provide an opportunity to reorganize debt and address past-due balances over time. Chapter 13 can be used to stop foreclosure proceedings, address vehicle loan arrears, and create a structured repayment plan based on your income. In certain situations, individuals may be able to repay a portion of their debts while retaining important assets, such as a home or vehicle, subject to court approval.
Chapter 13 may also help resolve certain fines or obligations that affect driving privileges, depending on the circumstances. Because Chapter 13 involves ongoing payments and court oversight, careful planning and a clear understanding of the process are essential. At Vilariño & Associates, LLC, our San Juan–based law firm helps clients review their financial situations, understand available options, and navigate the Chapter 13 process from start to finish. To learn whether Chapter 13 bankruptcy may be appropriate for you, contact our office to schedule a consultation.
Call Vilariño & Associates, LLC at 787-777-1599 or 787-565-9894 to schedule a consultation with a lawyer today.
How Do I Qualify for a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?
To qualify for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, individuals must generally have a reliable source of income sufficient to support a court-approved repayment plan. Income may come from employment or other sources such as Social Security, disability benefits, unemployment compensation, retirement income, or rental income. Chapter 13 relief is not available to certain types of debtors, including corporations and some financial professionals. However, sole proprietors and self-employed individuals may be eligible if their debts fall within applicable limits.
Eligibility for Chapter 13 also depends on factors such as the amount and type of debt and the ability to complete a repayment plan over a three- to five-year period, subject to legal requirements. At Vilariño & Associates, LLC, our San Juan–based law firm helps clients review these qualifications, understand how the law applies to their circumstances, and determine whether Chapter 13 may be an appropriate option. To discuss your situation and explore your options, contact our office to schedule a consultation.
What Happens During a Chapter 13 Proceeding?
Before filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, eligibility must be established through the required means test. Once a case is filed, bankruptcy law generally provides an automatic stay that may pause foreclosure proceedings, wage garnishments, repossessions, lawsuits, and other collection actions. As part of the process, a repayment plan is proposed based on your income and financial obligations, and that plan must be reviewed and approved by the bankruptcy court.
The court evaluates whether the proposed plan meets legal requirements, including whether it is submitted in good faith, whether unsecured creditors will receive at least as much as they would under a Chapter 7 filing, and whether available disposable income is properly applied toward repayment. Because Chapter 13 involves detailed financial review and ongoing court supervision, understanding each step is important. At Vilariño & Associates, LLC, our San Juan–based law firm helps clients navigate these requirements and prepare for each phase of the process. To begin exploring your options, contact our office to schedule a consultation.
Disclaimer: We are a debt relief agency. We are attorneys who help people file for bankruptcy relief under the bankruptcy code.
Have Questions About Bankruptcy?
Call Vilariño & Associates, LLC at 787-777-1599 or 787-565-9894 to speak with an attorney who can review your situation, answer your questions, and help you better understand the bankruptcy options available to you.