Section 6: After Your Case
The conclusion of your bankruptcy case is a significant milestone, but there are still important steps to take. We guide you through the process of receiving your discharge, obtaining your vehicle title, and more.
What is the process for receiving my discharge after I’ve made all my Chapter 13 plan payments?
Receiving a discharge after making all your Chapter 13 plan payments is a process that involves several steps and can last up to three months or more from the date you send your final payment to the Trustee.
First, you must complete all your Chapter 13 repayment plan payments. This typically takes three to five years, depending on your income and the amount of your debts. Once you’ve made all your payments, you’re required to complete a financial management course. This affordable course, often available online, will help you manage your finances effectively and avoid future bankruptcy. You may have previously done this; if you have not, we recommend you use one of the options below:
| Option 1 – Internet | Option 2 – Telephone |
| Visit: SagePF.com | Call: (800)-516-2759 |
After completing the financial management course, you’ll need to file a certification of plan completion with the bankruptcy court; your attorney will help you with this. This certification confirms that you’ve made all your plan payments and completed the required financial management course.
Once the Court receives your certification, it will review your case to ensure you’ve met all the requirements for a Chapter 13 discharge. If everything is in order, the Court will issue a discharge order. This order officially releases you from the obligation to pay any remaining dischargeable debts.
However, there are other factors to consider. For instance, if you have any long-term debt whose contractual terms extend past the completion date of your case or if you have any non-dischargeable debt, you will become responsible for those. This could include your mortgage, student loan, or other payments that survive the discharge. These debts typically come due the following date after your Chapter 13 plan was scheduled to be completed.
Suppose you have overpaid the Trustee, which can occur for multiple reasons, including the payroll deductions not stopping at the right time. In that case, the Trustee will typically send you a refund of any overpayments around the 10th of the following month after the Trustee files the Notice of Plan Completion.
It’s important to note that not all debts are dischargeable in Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Certain debts, such as student loans, child support, and some tax obligations, may not be discharged. You should consult your bankruptcy attorney to understand which debts are dischargeable.
Remember, this is a general overview; the specifics can vary based on your circumstances and local laws. If you’re a current client and have questions, try looking through these answers first; they’re made to answer frequent questions, but your specific situation may vary. If you still need help, call the office at the top of this page nearest you or email your paralegal directly. Our team is ready to help you; if needed, we can set up a meeting with your attorney. Always consult with your bankruptcy attorney for personalized advice.
What is the process for receiving my vehicle titles during my Bankruptcy case or after my case is complete?
When you’re navigating through a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, acquiring a vehicle title can seem like a daunting task. However, it’s more complicated than it might seem. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you understand the process.
Sometimes, you might still be making payments on your vehicle during your Bankruptcy. If so, the title will remain with the lender until you complete your payments. Once you’ve paid off the vehicle, the lender will release the lien, and you can obtain the title.
However, if you’ve financed your vehicle through a buy-here-pay-here dealership, the process might differ slightly. Some dealerships might hold onto the title until you’ve completed your Chapter 13 plan, even if you’ve paid off the vehicle. It’s essential to communicate with your dealership to understand their specific policies.
You should receive the title if you’ve fully paid off your vehicle during your Chapter 13 bankruptcy. The process usually involves your lender sending you the title or a lien release. If they only sent you a lien release or lost the title, you can take these documents to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to transfer the title to your name.
Remember, this is a general overview; the specifics can vary based on your circumstances and local laws. If you’re a current client and have questions, try looking through these answers first; they’re made to answer frequent questions, but your specific situation may vary. If you still need help, call the office at the top of this page nearest you or email your paralegal directly. Our team is ready to help you; if needed, we can set up a meeting with your attorney. Always consult with your bankruptcy attorney for personalized advice.
How do I dispute an inaccuracy on my credit report?
If you find inaccuracies in your credit report, it’s crucial to dispute them promptly to maintain your financial health. Here’s how you can dispute credit report inaccuracies with each of the three major credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax.
Experian:
Online: Visit the Experian Dispute Center
to start your dispute.
By Mail: Send your dispute to Experian, P.O. Box 4500, Allen, TX 75013. Include all necessary documents and clearly say the items you dispute.
By Phone: Call the number on your Experian credit report or (888) 397-3742 to start a dispute.
TransUnion:
To start your dispute online, visit the TransUnion Dispute Center
By Mail: Send your dispute to TransUnion LLC, Consumer Dispute Center, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016. Include all necessary documents and clearly say the items you dispute.
By Phone: Call (800) 916-8800 to start a dispute.
Equifax:
Online: Visit the Equifax Dispute Center
to start your dispute.
By Mail: Send your dispute to Equifax Information Services LLC, P.O. Box 740256, Atlanta, GA 30374-0256. Include all necessary documents and clearly say the items you dispute.
By Phone: Call (866) 349-5191 to start a dispute.
When disputing, clearly find each item in your report, say the facts, explain why you dispute the information, and request deletion or correction. You can enclose a copy of your report with the items in question covered. Send your letter by certified mail, return receipt asked, so you can document what the credit reporting company received.
Remember, this is a general overview; the specifics can vary based on your circumstances and local laws. If you’re a current client and have questions, try looking through these answers first; they’re made to answer frequent questions, but your specific situation may vary. If you still need help, call the office at the top of this page nearest you or email your paralegal directly. Our team is ready to help you; if needed, we can set up a meeting with your attorney. Always consult with your bankruptcy attorney for personalized advice.
Contact Us
Remember, this is a general guide. If you’re a current client and have questions, try looking through these answers first; they’re made to answer frequent questions, but your specific situation may vary. If you still need help, call the office at the top of this page nearest you or email your paralegal directly. Our team is ready to help you; if needed, we can set up a meeting with your attorney. Always consult with your bankruptcy attorney for personalized advice. Please do not hesitate to contact us with further questions or aid. Our team is always ready to supply the guidance you need.
