Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Virginia

Chapter 13 lets you stop foreclosures, repossessions, and wage garnishments while you repay what you can over 3-5 years – keeping your home, car, and essentials along the way.

Free Case Evaluation

540-444-0123

A Court-Approved Plan that Protects What Matters

With Chapter 13, you create a repayment plan based on your income and expenses. The plan pauses most collection activity, helps you catch up on missed mortgage or car payments, and allows you to keep property while paying creditors what you can afford over 36-60 months.

At a Glance

Stop foreclosure and repossession while you catch up

Consolidate debts into one monthly payment

Protect home, car, and essentials

Discharge eligible remaining debt at the end

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is Best for Those Who Are:

Behind on your mortgage or car loan but want to keep your property
Facing foreclosure, repossession, or eviction and need to stop it
Have steady income to support a 3-5 year repayment plan
Need time to pay off car loans, taxes, or other secured debts
Too much income to qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy
Previously received Chapter 7 discharge and need a different path
Want court protection from lawsuits and wage garnishments
Seeking a structured plan and fresh start without losing assets

How Chapter 13 Works

Free Consultation

We review your income, debts, and timelines. Then outline how a repayment plan could protect your assets and stop collections.

Create Your Plan

We prepare schedules and a budget-based plan prioritizing secured debts and required payments.

File, Confirm, and Make Plan Payments

Filing triggers the automatic stay. After confirmation, you make monthly payments to the trustee until your plan completes.

Your Plan Can Preserve

Home (while catching up on past-due amounts)

Vehicle(s) (while catching up on past-due amount)

Household goods

Retirement accounts

Your Plan Can Stop

Foreclosure proceedings

Vehicle repossession

Wage garnishments

Harassing creditor calls

Frequently Asked Questions about Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Do I have to pay back everything I owe?

No. In Chapter 13, you repay based on income and debt type. Many unsecured debts, like credit cards or medical bills, are only partially repaid, then discharged.

Will I lose my home if I file Chapter 13?

No. Chapter 13 is often used specifically to stop foreclosure. The plan gives you time to catch up on missed mortgage payments while keeping your house.

Is Chapter 13 harder than Chapter 7?

It’s different, not harder. Chapter 13 takes longer because of the repayment plan, but it gives you powerful tools to save property and manage debts Chapter 7 can’t.

Meet Your Advocates

Two Virginia bankruptcy attorneys, one mission: helping you stop creditor collection activity and find a path to financial recovery with compassion and expertise.

Amanda Dufraine

A Roanoke mom, animal lover, and former federal bankruptcy clerk who helps Virginia families keep their homes, protect what matters, and rebuild their lives.

More About Amanda

Caleb Chaplain

A Harrisonburg community volunteer and former bankruptcy clerk with expertise to guide clients through their cases with clear answers and steady reassurance.

More About Caleb

Why Choose Chaplain Dufraine?

Debt can feel scary. But getting help shouldn't be. Whether you're behind on bills, facing foreclosure, or just tired of the calls, we're here to walk you through it, step-by-step. No judgment. No legal jargon. Just straight answers and real support.

Direct Attorney Access

When you call, you'll speak with us, your actual attorneys who know your case inside and out, from first meeting to final discharge.

Flexible Scheduling

Evening, weekend, and virtual appointments make it easy to get legal help without missing work or family obligations.

20+ years of federal and court experience

Deep knowledge of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, Virginia exemption laws, and stopping foreclosure or garnishment.

Start Today

Chapter 13 may be the right solution if you want to keep your property and catch up on debts without losing anything. Schedule a free consultation today.

Start Fresh Today