Chapter 13

Business, Legal & Accounting Glossary

Definition: Chapter 13


Chapter 13

Video Guide For Chapter 13




What is the dictionary definition of Chapter 13?

Dictionary Definition


The reorganization bankruptcy for consumers, in which you partially or fully repay your debts. In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you keep your property and use your income to pay all or a portion of the debts over three to five years. The minimum amount you must pay is roughly equal to the value of your nonexempt property. In addition, you must pledge your disposable net income — after subtracting reasonable expenses — for the period during which you are making payments. At the end of the three-to-five-year period, the balance of what you owe on most debts is erased.


Full Definition of Chapter 13


Chapter 13 is a provision in U.S. bankruptcy law under which people who earn a steady income can create a plan to pay back some or all of their debts. Debtors who use chapter 13 can propose a repayment schedule spanning 3-5 years, depending on their income level. Those who earn less than their state’s applicable median income are given a 3-year chapter 13 plan unless they receive court permission for a longer interval. Those who earn more than their state’s applicable median income are given a 5-year plan. No chapter 13 repayment plan can exceed five years. Once a payment plan is established, chapter 13 prohibits creditors from pursuing independent collection efforts. Unlike with a bankruptcy liquidation under Chapter 7, individuals who file for chapter 13 bankruptcy protection can stop foreclosure proceedings on their homes. Further, they can spread payments of debts other than mortgages over the span of the chapter 13 schedule and consolidate their obligations into a single payment to a chapter 13 trustee. Special provisions in chapter 13 protect third parties who may have co-signed with a debtor on a loan or other instrument. Individuals, including the self-employed, are eligible to file a chapter 13 bankruptcy provided their debts are below certain thresholds (e.g. unsecured debts < $360,475 and secured debts < $1,081,400 in 2010). Chapter 13 debt thresholds escalate with the consumer price index and are reviewed on a periodic basis. Corporations or partnerships, however, are not eligible to file under chapter 13. A chapter 13 bankruptcy is also know as a wage earner’s plan


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, from PayrollHeaven.com website: https://payrollheaven.com/define/chapter-13/

Definition Sources


Definitions for Chapter 13 are sourced/syndicated and enhanced from:

  • A Dictionary of Economics (Oxford Quick Reference)
  • Oxford Dictionary Of Accounting
  • Oxford Dictionary Of Business & Management

This glossary post was last updated: 26th November, 2021 | 0 Views.