Alexandria Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Lawyer

When debt becomes unmanageable, a structured repayment plan may be the lifeline you need. An Alexandria Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer from Simon Fitzgerald LLC can help you protect your property while catching up on what you owe. Our Alexandria bankruptcy attorneys work with clients across Rapides Parish to file strategic plans that make sense. Visit our Alexandria office to get started. If you live in Rapides Parish, Chapter 13 cases are filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Louisiana – Alexandria Division.

The Court is located at the Hemenway Building, 300 Jackson Street, Suite 116, Alexandria, LA 71301 (Chapter 13 proceedings; courtroom Second Floor, Room 218). These cases are assigned to Judge Stephen D. Wheelis and overseen by Chapter 13 Trustee Dinorah Gonzalez, who reviews repayment plans and manages trustee payments. Working with a lawyer who regularly practices before them helps avoid delays and objections.

Call our Alexandria office at 318-407-6352 – Free Chapter 13 Consultation Today

What Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Actually Does (And Who It’s For)

Chapter 13 gives you a way to reorganize your debt without losing the things that matter most. Instead of wiping everything out like Chapter 7, this plan helps you repay your debts over time based on what you can afford. 

An Alexandria Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney with Simon Fitzgerald LLC can help you decide whether this approach fits your income, your financial goals, and your long-term stability. You do not have to guess how this works. The U.S. Courts Chapter 13 Overview explains the technical details, but here is more about what it means for your day-to-day life.

How Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Helps You Stay Afloat

When you file for Chapter 13 in Rapides Parish, you are asking the court to approve a plan that lets you catch up without losing everything. That plan comes with some built-in protections that can give you space to breathe and keep your household steady. 

If you qualify, these benefits begin the moment your case is filed. Here are a few ways Chapter 13 may work in your favor:

• Stops foreclosure – Filing initiates an automatic stay and may allow you to keep your home while catching up on payments. This pause gives you time to address missed mortgage payments. It may also help you avoid a rushed sale or eviction.
• Consolidates debt – All eligible debts are rolled into one manageable monthly payment under court supervision. This structure replaces multiple due dates with a single scheduled payment. It can also reduce confusion about what you owe.
• Protects co-signers – Unlike Chapter 7, Chapter 13 can shield third parties from collection efforts. If someone co-signed a loan with you, the court may stop creditors from going after them. That protection only lasts if your payments remain on track.
• Avoids asset liquidation – You repay over time instead of having your assets sold off. This allows you to keep essential items like your home or vehicle. You may also retain business equipment or personal property.
• Catches up on missed payments – You may be able to bring past-due mortgage, car loan, or child support payments current over time. These debts are folded into your plan based on income and priority level. That way, you are not expected to pay them all at once.
• Blocks aggressive creditors – Once you file, most collection calls, lawsuits, and wage garnishments must stop immediately. Creditors must follow bankruptcy court rules after your case begins. They cannot contact you directly or take further action without permission.

These protections give you time to stabilize your finances without the constant pressure from creditors. Collection calls and legal threats are put on pause. Wage garnishments also stop as soon as you file. Instead of scrambling to cover everything at once, you follow a structured plan that fits your budget. The court supervises each step, making sure creditors comply with the terms and giving you a real chance to move forward.

How Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Works in Louisiana Courts

Filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy means creating a repayment plan based on what you can afford and what you owe. The court reviews your proposal and decides how much time you will have to repay debts, typically over three to five years. With guidance from your attorney, this process becomes more manageable.

What to Expect During the Filing Process

When you begin a Chapter 13 case in Louisiana, certain steps must be completed in a specific order. Each one moves you closer to court approval and a structured plan that fits your life. To file Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you need to complete the following basic steps:

Complete credit counseling – You must take a court-approved course before your case is filed. This is required under federal law and helps confirm you understand the financial commitment involved.

• Draft and submit your repayment plan – Your plan outlines how much you will pay and which debts take priority. The court and trustee review it to make sure it follows the law and reflects your actual income.
• Attend a confirmation hearing – This is where a judge reviews your plan and hears any objections. If approved, the plan becomes a binding court order.
• Make monthly trustee payments – You must send payments to a court-appointed trustee, who distributes the funds to your creditors. Missing payments can put your case at risk, so consistency matters.
• Receive discharge after 3–5 years – If all payments are made as required, remaining eligible debts may be wiped out. This gives you a fresh financial start once the plan is complete.

Local note: Alexandria Division Chapter 13 cases are heard by Judge Stephen D. Wheelis and overseen by Chapter 13 Trustee Dinorah Gonzalez.

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Each of these steps must follow strict guidelines set by both state and federal law. The credit counseling course must be completed before your petition is filed, and your repayment plan has to meet court approval before it goes into effect. From filing requirements to repayment timelines, the process for filing bankruptcy in Louisiana is detailed. We help you manage the paperwork. We also track important deadlines and make sure your case stays on track from the beginning.

H2: Related Resources for Alexandria Residents

• Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Louisiana
• Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Louisiana
• Fees & Payment Options
• Bankruptcy FAQs

Comparing Chapter 7 and Chapter 13

Bankruptcy laws offer different tools depending on your financial situation. Some people need to stop a foreclosure or restructure past-due payments. Others may need a faster solution to discharge unsecured debt and begin recovering.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is often tied to lower-income households with limited assets. Chapter 13 works better for people with a steady income and debt that includes mortgage arrears or income tax debts. It is not a matter of choosing what is easier. The right option depends on how much you earn. It also depends on what type of debt you have and whether there is property you want to keep.

Key Differences Between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13

These two types of bankruptcy follow different rules. They also involve different timelines and eligibility criteria. Here is how they compare in Louisiana courts:

• Repayment vs. discharge – Chapter 7 eliminates qualifying debt within a few months. Chapter 13 creates a court-approved plan to repay over several years.
• Income eligibility – Chapter 13 is available to people with a regular income. Chapter 7 has income limits and requires a means test based on household size and state guidelines.
• Asset protection – Chapter 13 lets you keep more of your property while catching up on past-due balances. Chapter 7 may require the sale of non-exempt items to pay creditors.
• Duration – Chapter 13 cases last between three and five years. Chapter 7 usually takes about three to six months from start to finish.
• Co-signer protection – Chapter 13 may shield co-signers from collection efforts. Chapter 7 does not include those same protections.
• Eligibility for tax debt repayment – Certain types of tax debt can be addressed through a Chapter 13 plan. Chapter 7 may not help if the taxes are recent or still collectible.

These differences can affect how long your case takes. They can also affect whether you keep certain property or qualify for immediate relief. Choosing the right chapter depends on what matters most to your household.

What Kinds of Debts Can Be Restructured in Chapter 13?

Chapter 13 gives you the chance to reorganize different types of debt into a payment plan you can actually manage. That includes everything from mortgage arrears to unpaid taxes and overdue support. This structure is especially helpful if you are behind on secured debts and want to keep your home or vehicle.

Secured debts like car loans and mortgages can often be paid over time, giving you a way to avoid foreclosure or repossession. Some tax debts may also be included in your plan. Back child support and certain debts impacted by wage garnishment can sometimes be addressed as well. While not all debts qualify, the court allows you to prioritize those that matter most to your family’s stability.

What Happens If You Miss a Chapter 13 Payment?

Missing a Chapter 13 payment can trigger serious consequences, including dismissal of your case. The trustee may notify the court, and creditors could regain the right to pursue collection. If your financial situation has changed, it is important to act quickly and ask whether a plan modification is possible.

Some courts allow temporary relief depending on your payment history and the reason for the delay. In some cases, missed payments can be rolled into the remaining balance or resolved through debt settlement. Staying in close contact with your lawyer can help you avoid creditor harassment and keep the plan moving forward.

Common issues that come up after a missed payment include:

• Trustee motion to dismiss – If a payment is missed without explanation, the trustee may file a request to dismiss your case. This permits creditors to resume collection activity and puts any foreclosure protections at risk.
• Loss of automatic stay – Missing payments could cause the court to lift the stay that protects you from lawsuits or repossession. That means creditors can take action without further warning.
• Plan modification request – If your income has dropped or expenses have increased, you may be able to request changes to the plan. The court reviews your new proposal to see if it still meets all legal requirements.
• Temporary suspension – Some courts allow short pauses for qualifying emergencies like job loss or medical issues. These are often granted with the expectation that payments will resume quickly.

Staying proactive makes a major difference. Reaching out before payments fall too far behind helps protect the progress you have made and gives you more options for keeping your case on track.

What Makes a Great Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Lawyer in Alexandria?

Chapter 13 takes time and consistency. It also requires careful planning and attention to detail. You need someone who understands both the law and how local trustees operate in Rapides Parish. The most trusted lawyers in Alexandria earn confidence through strong communication and a clear focus on your long-term goals. Here is what to look for in your future bankruptcy attorney:

• Personalized case strategy – Your lawyer should take time to understand your income and the debts you need to address. The strategy should be specific to your situation and follow what the court requires.
• Experience with Chapter 13 repayment plans – Attorneys who handle these cases regularly understand how trustees evaluate repayment terms. That insight can help keep your plan on track and compliant with court expectations.
• Clear, regular updates – You should never feel like you are in the dark about your case. A lawyer who explains the next steps and responds quickly can help you avoid mistakes.
• Familiarity with the Alexandria court and trustee system – Local experience can make a difference in how your plan is received. Lawyers familiar with Rapides Parish know how to prepare for the preferences of nearby trustees and judges.

Does Chapter 13 Make More Sense Than Debt Settlement?

Chapter 13 and debt settlement both offer ways to manage what you owe, but they work very differently. Debt settlement is a private negotiation with creditors where you ask them to accept less than the full amount. Some people see it as a faster solution, but the results can be unpredictable, and do not stop collection efforts while you negotiate.

Chapter 13 is a formal legal process with court supervision and protection from lawsuits, repossession, and wage garnishment. Once your case is filed, creditors must follow the repayment plan or object through the court. That structure gives you more stability and removes the pressure of dealing with creditors one by one. If you need time, structure, and legal protection, Chapter 13 may offer more reliability.

FAQs About Chapter 13 in Alexandria

• Who oversees Alexandria Chapter 13 cases? Judge Stephen D. Wheelis and Trustee Dinorah Gonzalez.
• Where is the 341 meeting? Usually by Zoom Video Conference with the trustee; your attorney will provide you with a list of questions that you will be asked ahead of time, and will also attend from his office via Zoom Video Conference.
• How long does the plan last? Typically 3–5 years, depending on income and debts.
• Can Chapter 13 stop foreclosure? Filing usually triggers the automatic stay and pauses foreclosure while you’re making the plan payments.
• What if my income changes mid‑plan? Call us right away—plan modification or temporary relief may be possible.

Call a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Lawyer in Alexandria for Trusted Help Today

At Simon Fitzgerald LLC, Louisiana’s oldest bankruptcy law firm, our Alexandria team has guided thousands of families through Chapter 13. We know how stressful foreclosure threats and collection calls can be, and we make it simple to take the next step.

Call our Alexandria office at 318-526-8551 today to schedule your free consultation. 

Most clients can start from home by telephone, and same-day consults are available when urgent action is needed.