Search Site
Menu

Converting a Bankruptcy Proceeding from Chapter 13 to Chapter 7

If you are unable to afford your payments under a Chapter 13 bankruptcy repayment plan, you may have the ability to convert your case into Chapter 7 bankruptcy instead, unless you already received a Chapter 7 discharge at any time in the last eight years.

The process of converting your case is relatively simple; however, you still must qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy to convert your case.

The most common reasons people convert from Chapter 13 to Chapter 7 are the following:

  • A change in their financial circumstances has rendered them unable to meet their Chapter 13 repayment plan payments.
  • They would like to surrender a specific piece of property (such as a car or house) that the Chapter 13 plan had specifically been designed to protect.

To qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you will have to pass the means test. Once your case has been converted, you will be assigned a bankruptcy trustee and will need to attend a meeting of creditors. You don’t need to file a completely new bankruptcy petition, but you will also have to amend certain forms and schedules to reflect your new case status.

For example, your Schedule I and J forms will need to be changed so that they reflect your most up-to-date budget. Some courts may require you to make a declaration outlining the reasons you filed for a conversion.

In some circumstances, courts may actually force you to convert your case from Chapter 13 to Chapter 7 to sell off assets to pay your creditors. This might be true if you were found to be hiding assets, lying on your bankruptcy papers or filing only to delay your creditors.

For further guidance on converting from Chapter 13 to Chapter 7, consult a skilled Georgia bankruptcy attorney by contacting Jeff Field & Associates online or at 404-381-1278.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Videos
Our Attorneys
Client Reviews
  • google
    5.0/5.0

    Great experience from start to finish. The process was smooth and stress-free, and Ms. Connie was amazing throughout—very helpful, professional, and supportive. I truly appreciate all the guidance and would highly recommend this firm.

    Read more

    Liyah Byrd

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    I'm just finishing up 5 years of bankruptcy, and I honestly don't know how I would've done it without this Group. Everyone was super professional every time I reached out with questions, and they were always there to answer them. I eve...

    Read more

    Rosa Bell-Wilson

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    Starting the process of bankruptcy can seem scary. However, working with Jeff Field & Associates made it very easy. They explained everything so clearly and helped my spouse and I, walk through every step of the process. Definitely recommend!

    Read more

    Jackie Hernandez

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    I highly recommend them the did a great job with my case and made the steps very easy they worked with me every step of the way on completing all my paperwork highly recommended them

    Read more

    Steven Washington

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    A few months ago, I had to file for bankruptcy, and this team made the whole process so smooth. They answered every single question I had and walked me through everything step by step. Honestly, all I had to do was sit back and let them handle it; Th...

    Read more

    Samir Castañeda

See all reviews
Contact us

Please fill out the form below and one of our attorneys will contact you.

Quick Contact Form