Shreveport Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Lawyers

When missed payments start to pile up, Chapter 13 may give you room to breathe. A Shreveport Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer from Simon Fitzgerald LLC can help you stop collection calls, protect your home, and regain control. Our Shreveport bankruptcy attorneys assist clients across Caddo Parish with custom repayment plans.

Visit our Shreveport office today to find out what options may work for you. If you live in Caddo Parish, Chapter 13 cases are handled in the Tom Stagg U.S. Courthouse, 300 Fannin Street, Suite 2201, Shreveport, LA 71101 (Chapter 13 hearings in the Shreveport Division; Judge John S. Hodge; Trustee Daryl S. Smith).. Most repayment plans are overseen by Trustee Daryl S. Smith, who manages hearings and payments.

Call our Shreveport office at 318-868-2600 – Free Chapter 13 Consultation Today

Why Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Works for Many in Shreveport

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a structured way to regain control without losing the things you rely on. Instead of wiping out debt entirely, you repay what you can over time through a court-approved plan. A Shreveport Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney with Simon Fitzgerald LLC can help you understand whether this approach fits your income. They will also consider your household needs and whether you want to protect important assets.

In Shreveport, families often use Chapter 13 to stop a foreclosure on their home, prevent repossession of a vehicle needed for work at Barksdale Air Force Base or CHRISTUS Health, or to group high medical bills from Willis-Knighton into a single affordable payment. The U.S. Courts Chapter 13 Overview outlines how the process works, but here is what it can actually do for people in Caddo Parish:

• Stop foreclosure – Filing activates the automatic stay to halt home loss. This gives you time to catch up on missed payments and keep your home off the auction list.
• Combine your debts – Merge unsecured debt into one monthly payment. This may include credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills.
• Keep essential property – Chapter 13 can help you protect your car, tools for work, or other assets you rely on. The plan prioritizes what you need to stay afloat.
• Catch up on car or mortgage payments – Missed payments can be spread out over time. That way, you are not forced to pay everything all at once to stay current.
• Protect co-signers – Reduce pressure on family or business partners. If someone helped you qualify for a loan, Chapter 13 may help shield them from direct collection efforts.

This type of bankruptcy offers breathing room and legal protection for people trying to avoid foreclosure or car repossession. It also gives you a way to repay secured and priority debts without constant pressure from creditors.

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Understanding the Chapter 13 Filing Process in Louisiana

Chapter 13 involves a court-supervised repayment plan that typically spans three to five years. You pay back what you can based on your income while receiving protection from lawsuits, repossession, and wage garnishment. This process is structured and predictable, which helps many Shreveport residents move forward without losing their homes or vehicles.

How Long Does a Chapter 13 Case Take in Louisiana?

• Most Chapter 13 cases in Louisiana last between three and five years. In the Shreveport Division, Judge John S. Hodge presides over Chapter 13 matters while Chapter 13 Trustee Daryl S. Smith manages repayment plans and conducts 341 meetings of creditors. These meetings are held via Zoom video, rarely last more than 15 minutes, and creditors seldom attend. The length of your plan depends on your income level, the types of debt you have, and whether your proposal meets court approval. Working with an attorney familiar with Judge Hodge’s and Trustee Smith’s practices helps avoid delays and objections. Staying current on payments and following the plan terms closely can help you finish on time and receive a full discharge. Here are the major steps involved in a typical Chapter 13 case: Attend credit counseling – Before filing bankruptcy, you must complete a court-approved counseling course. This is required by law and helps confirm that Chapter 13 is the right fit.
• Prepare debt and income documentation – You will need to gather tax records, pay stubs, bank statements, and a full list of debts. Accuracy is important to get your plan approved.
• File petition and plan – Your attorney files the official documents with the bankruptcy court. This includes your repayment plan and a full financial disclosure.
• Meet with the trustee – A trustee will review your case and ask questions at a scheduled meeting. Creditors may also attend and raise any objections to your plan.
• Begin payment schedule – Payments begin shortly after your case is filed. These go to the trustee, who distributes them to creditors according to the plan.
• Await discharge – If you complete all required payments, remaining eligible debts are discharged. This marks the end of your case and gives you a clean slate.

You will need to complete credit counseling before your case is filed, and your documents must meet the court’s filing requirements from the start. The more complete your records are, the fewer delays you are likely to face. Following the plan closely helps keep everything moving until your discharge is granted.

Related Resources for Shreveport Chapter 13 Filers

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

Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13: Which Makes Sense for You?

Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 both exist for a reason. One gives you a faster way to discharge qualifying debt, while the other helps you repay what you owe without losing the things you need. The right option depends on your income, the type of debt you have, and how much property you want to keep.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is often a better fit for people with limited income and few assets, while Chapter 13 is useful when you need time to catch up. If you are dealing with secured debt or certain types of income tax debts, Chapter 13 may give you more flexibility. Both options are valid. This decision should be based on your situation, not what worked for someone else.

Key Differences Between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13

• Before you decide which type of bankruptcy fits your needs, it helps to understand how the two options are structured. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 differ in how they treat your income. They also differ in how property is handled and how your debts are resolved. Here are a few key differences to consider:How they treat your assets – Chapter 13 lets you keep more of your property while catching up on missed payments. Chapter 7 may require you to give up certain assets in exchange for debt relief.
• How they handle debt – Chapter 13 requires you to repay part or all of what you owe over time. Chapter 7 wipes out qualifying debt without a payment plan.
• How long they last – Chapter 13 cases usually last three to five years. Chapter 7 typically takes just a few months from start to finish.
• Who qualifies – Chapter 13 is for people with a steady income and the ability to commit to a repayment plan. Chapter 7 has income limits and requires you to pass a means test.

These differences affect how your case is handled and what kind of outcome you can expect. If protecting your home or catching up on missed payments is your priority, Chapter 13 may offer more flexibility. If you have limited income and minimal assets, Chapter 7 might offer a faster way to eliminate debt without ongoing obligations.

What Debts Are Covered in a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Plan?

Chapter 13 allows you to reorganize a wide range of debts through a single monthly payment, but not everything can be included. Your plan will be divided into categories based on what you owe and who gets paid first. Some debts must be paid in full, while others may be partially repaid or discharged at the end.

Secured debts are treated differently from unsecured debts. Tax debt and unpaid support also have unique rules that affect how and when they must be paid. If you are behind on child support or dealing with wage garnishment, Chapter 13 may offer more time and court protection. Here are examples of debts typically included in a Chapter 13 plan:

• Secured debts – These include mortgages, car loans, or any loan tied to physical property. If you want to keep the asset, your plan must include payments toward the balance or arrears.
• Unsecured debts – Credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans fall into this category. These debts are often repaid at a reduced amount, with any unpaid balance discharged at the end of your plan.
• Priority debts – This covers back child support, recent tax debts, and court-ordered fines. These debts must usually be paid in full before unsecured creditors receive anything.
• Debts under active collection – If you are facing lawsuits or collection efforts, those debts may be addressed through the plan. This can stop wage garnishment and prevent further legal action while you catch up.

Chapter 13 helps you prioritize the debts that matter most while reducing pressure from unsecured creditors. Your repayment plan must follow strict legal guidelines, but it also gives you the flexibility to protect what your household depends on.

What If You Cannot Keep Up With Your Ch. 13 Plan?

Life does not always go according to plan. Even the most realistic repayment plan can be thrown off by job loss or a medical emergency. Unexpected costs can also create gaps that make it hard to stay current. If you miss a Chapter 13 payment, the trustee may file a motion to dismiss your case, which puts you at risk of losing court protection. That does not mean you are out of options.

In many cases, the court may approve a modified plan that reflects your updated income or expenses. Some debtors qualify for temporary relief, especially after emergencies or short-term disruptions. Communicating early with your attorney is key. It helps prevent delays, stops creditor harassment, and may even open the door to debt settlement if continuing with Chapter 13 is no longer realistic.

Choosing a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Lawyer in Shreveport

Chapter 13 cases are handled in federal court, but every district has its own way of doing things. In Caddo Parish, trustees may have different preferences or expectations than those in other parts of the state. In the Shreveport Division, Chapter 13 cases are assigned to Judge John S. Hodge and Trustee Daryl S. Smith. Working with a lawyer who regularly practices before them ensures your plan is prepared and reviewed correctly the first time.

Choosing a lawyer who practices regularly in Shreveport means you are working with someone who already understands the system and can communicate clearly from the start. Here is how local experience can directly support your case:

• Trustee relationships make your case smoother – Local attorneys understand what each trustee expects in a repayment plan. That insight helps avoid unnecessary delays or plan objections.
• Filing habits vary by district – A Shreveport-based lawyer knows how this court handles documentation, review timelines, and plan modifications. Your case will be tailored to meet local standards instead of relying on a generic template.
• Accessibility means faster response times – When issues come up, you want a lawyer who answers quickly and knows your case. Being close by makes it easier to get updates, provide documents, and stay in sync.
• Experience helps with creative solutions – Attorneys who regularly handle Chapter 13 cases know how to adjust plans when income changes or emergencies arise. They can offer strategies that less experienced firms might miss.

Working with someone familiar with the local court system gives your case an added layer of stability. Local lawyers know how to meet expectations and communicate with the trustee’s office when timing matters most. That experience can make the entire process feel more manageable.

What Makes Chapter 13 More Stable Than Informal Debt Negotiation?

Out-of-court negotiations can be unpredictable. Creditors are not required to accept a settlement, and even when they do, the terms may change without warning. Chapter 13 offers a more dependable structure by putting everything under the supervision of the bankruptcy court.

Once your case is filed, creditors must follow the terms of the plan or raise objections through the proper legal channels. They cannot continue collection efforts on the side or demand changes after approval. Unlike private debt settlement programs, Chapter 13 protects you with a legal order that enforces payment timelines and prevents new lawsuits during repayment.

Some people hesitate to file because of the misunderstandings around bankruptcy. Many bankruptcy myths leave out the fact that Chapter 13 is designed to support working households, not punish them. If you need time, structure, and real protection, a court-approved plan is often more reliable than negotiating one debt at a time.

FAQs About Chapter 13 in Shreveport

• Where will my 341 meeting occur? Usually by phone with the Chapter 13 Trustee. Your attorney attends with you and prepares you in advance.
• Who are the local officials? Judge John S. Hodge and Trustee Daryl S. Smith handle most Shreveport Division Chapter 13 matters.
• Can Chapter 13 stop wage garnishment in Caddo Parish? Yes. Filing typically triggers the automatic stay, which halts most garnishments immediately.
• Do I have to appear in court? Most clients do not appear before the judge; you’ll attend a short trustee meeting by Zoom Video Conference unless otherwise instructed.
• How long will my plan last? Most plans run 3–5 years, depending on income, expenses, and the types of debt that exist.

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

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

Call our Shreveport office at 318-868-2600 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.