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Chapter 13 - Wage Earner Plan

The information below is intended to answer common questions from pro se bankruptcy filers (persons filing their own cases without attorneys) and is not legal advice. This information is subject to change without notice.

IMPORTANT: If you are thinking of filing a bankruptcy petition without an attorney, you should read Filing for Bankruptcy Without an Attorney. This web page has been provided by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts' Judges Advisory Group and contains information to consider before filing a petition along with links to other helpful resources.

Chapter 13 - "Wage Earner Plan"

A chapter 13 case provides you the opportunity to restructure your debts through a payment plan which normally lasts three years. With Court approval, a plan may last up to five years. The chapter 13 trustee receives all funds you pay through the plan and pays creditors from these funds.


Filing Requirements

An original of the following is required when filing a chapter 13:

  • (Form B101) Voluntary Petition for Individuals Filing For Bankruptcy *
  • (Form B121) Your Statement About Your Social Security Number(s) *
  • (Form B101) - Individual Debtor's Statement of Compliance With Credit Counseling and Certificate of Credit Counseling (or Certificate of Exigent Circumstance or Motion for Exemption) (Individuals Only)
  • Fees- a payment due at time of filing or (Form B103) Application for Individuals to Pay Filing Fee in Installments * (If filing fee is to be paid through Chapter 13 Plan, attach Local Form 1006-1(c); available from the Court’s website at www. alnb.uscourts.gov)
  • (Form B106-Summary) A Summary of Your Assets and Liabilities and Certain Statistical Information
  • (Form B106) Schedules A/B-J
  • (Form B107) Your Statement of Financial Affairs for Individuals for Individuals Filing for Bankruptcy
  • List of Creditors - Mailing Matrix*
  • Chapter 13 Plan ( use Form Number LR 3015-1A which has been approved by the Court for use in the Northern District of Alabama; available on the Court’s website at www. alnb.uscourts.gov )
  • (Form B119)  Bankruptcy Petition Preparer’s Notice, Declaration, and Signature if applicable
  • Director’s Form 2800) Disclosure Statement of Bankruptcy Petition Preparer if applicable
  • (Form B122C) Statement of Current Monthly Income and Calculation of Commitment Period
  • Copies of Payment Advices (earning statement, pay stubs, etc.) and last sixty days with only the last four digits of Social Security Number

*You must file the minimum requirements to initiate a bankruptcy case.

Note: Your chapter 13 plan payments must be mailed to the chapter 13 trustee's office in the division where the case was filed.

IMPORTANT: Failure to comply with the filing requirements or missing deadlines may result in your case being dismissed and loss of bankruptcy protection. Please read Minimum Requirements to Initiate Bankruptcy Case: Notice of Deficient Filing.