Las Vegas Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Lawyers for Individuals
For individuals and families with mounting bills but steady income, Chapter 13 bankruptcy can be a powerful tool to regain control over their finances without losing their home, car, or other important assets. Instead of wiping out debt all at once like in Chapter 7, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows you to reorganize what you owe into a manageable repayment plan, giving you time, structure, and court protection to catch up and move forward.
At Larson & Zirzow, we help people across Las Vegas use Chapter 13 to stop foreclosures, avoid repossessions, eliminate unsecured debts, and protect what matters most. As a boutique bankruptcy firm, we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. We look closely at your unique financial picture and create a plan that fits your goals, even when that means more effort on our part. Our clients trust us because we listen, we strategize, and we do it right way, not the easy way.
If you’re behind on your mortgage or car payments, overwhelmed with debt, or simply don’t qualify for Chapter 7, Chapter 13 may provide the relief and protection you need. Contact our Las Vegas chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyers to explore your options and tailor a solution that works for you.
What Is Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?
Chapter 13 is commonly referred to as a “reorganization bankruptcy” because it’s designed for individuals with regular monthly income who need time and protection to repay certain debts. Under Chapter 13, you propose a repayment plan lasting three or five years, according to certain factors and what the case needs to accomplish, during which you pay a portion of your debts based on your income, living expenses, and the types of obligations.
A common misconception is that Chapter 13 requires repaying everything you owe in full. In many cases, unsecured creditors receive only a fraction of what they’re owed, and the rest is discharged when your plan is completed. Secured debts like mortgages and car loans can be restructured or caught up through the plan. And all of this happens under the supervision of the bankruptcy court, with consumer protections that creditors must follow.
How Chapter 13 Helps
Chapter 13 bankruptcy offers solutions that go beyond just eliminating debt. It allows you to catch up on past-due payments, protect assets, and deal with complex financial challenges in a structured way. For many people, Chapter 13 is the only way to avoid foreclosure, repossession, or other long-term financial harm, and to protect assets.
In addition, filing Chapter 13 immediately puts a stop to collection activity through the Automatic Stay. This means your creditors must cease lawsuits, collection calls, wage garnishments, foreclosures, and repossessions. From there, your repayment plan gives you breathing room and court-enforced structure, not just temporary relief from creditor harassment.
Some of the most common goals we help clients achieve through Chapter 13 include:
- Stopping a foreclosure and catching up on missed mortgage payments
- Catching up on vehicle payments, or completely restructuring vehicle loans
- Paying back certain tax debts that are not dischargeable
- Paying a portion of unsecured debt with one manageable monthly payment
- Discharging unpaid portion of qualifying unsecured debts including credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans when the plan completes
Chapter 13 vs. Chapter 7: Which Is Right for You?
While Chapter 7 bankruptcy is generally the faster way to eliminate unsecured debts, Chapter 13 offers broader protections for people with higher income, significant assets, or past-due secured debts needing to be repaid over time.
If your income exceeds the threshold for Chapter 7, or if you’re behind on your mortgage or car payments and want to keep that property, Chapter 13 may be your best or only option. Unlike Chapter 7, Chapter 13 allows you to catch up over time while shielding your property from seizure. It’s also a good fit for people who owe certain non-dischargeable debts like recent taxes or domestic support obligations to be repaid over time with court supervision.
Our attorneys can help you compare both options and make a fully informed decision based on your income, assets, debt types, and long-term goals.
Eligibility for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
To file under Chapter 13, you must have a regular source of income and be able to fund a Chapter 13 repayment plan after covering basic living expenses. Your debts must also fall within certain limits set by federal law, including separate caps for secured and unsecured obligations. These limits are adjusted periodically, and we’ll walk you through whether you qualify.
Eligibility also depends on whether you’ve received a bankruptcy discharge in the recent past and whether you are current on your tax filings. We’ll help you review all the requirements and resolve any eligibility concerns before you file.
The Chapter 13 Process
From the moment you file, the bankruptcy court steps in to protect you and manage the process. At Larson & Zirzow, we take the lead at every stage, handling paperwork, court filings, hearings, and negotiations so you can focus on the personal aspects of your financial recovery.
After your case is filed, you’ll start making monthly payments under your Chapter 13 repayment plan to a bankruptcy trustee. You’ll also attend a brief meeting with the trustee known as the 341 Meeting of Creditors. We’ll be by your side to ensure everything proceeds smoothly. Once your repayment plan is confirmed by the court, you’ll continue making monthly plan payments to the trustee, who distributes funds to your creditors as provided for by the plan.
Throughout the three or five years of your plan, we remain available to address any issues, file plan modifications if necessary, and help you meet all legal requirements. When your plan is complete, you’ll receive a discharge of remaining dischargeable debt, freeing you from the burden that once held you back.
Why Larson & Zirzow Is the Right Choice for People in Las Vegas
Filing Chapter 13 isn’t just about getting paperwork done. It’s about getting the strategy right from day one. Your repayment plan must meet strict legal standards and be flexible enough to accommodate unanticipated future challenges. Too often, people hire firms that push them through a rigid process without fully understanding what they need to succeed.
At Larson & Zirzow, we do things differently. We don’t work in bulk or offer “assembly-line” bankruptcy. We take the time to understand your income, expenses, obligations, and concerns, and we create a repayment strategy that works for you. That means making sure you can afford your payments, keeping your property protected, and building a plan the court will approve and creditors can’t ignore.
We’re proud of the fact that our clients don’t just get through bankruptcy — they come out the other side in a stronger, more stable position. We work hard to make that happen.
Planning for Life After Chapter 13
Completing a Chapter 13 plan is a major accomplishment. You’ve taken responsibility, protected what matters, and fulfilled your legal obligations. Once you receive your discharge, you’ll be in a far better financial position than when you started, and often with stronger credit than you had expected.
We help our clients look beyond the discharge to what comes next. That may mean rebuilding credit, setting up smart budgeting habits, or planning for a major purchase like a car or home. We stay available to help you understand your options and keep moving forward, even after your case is complete.
Take Back Control With a Chapter 13 Strategy That Works for You
If you’ve fallen behind on your bills, fear losing your home, or need a structured way to pay back certain debts without giving up what you’ve worked hard to build, Chapter 13 may be the solution. At Larson & Zirzow, we’ll help you understand your options and guide you through the process with confidence.
Contact us today for a free 30-minute consultation over the phone. We’ll listen to your concerns, explain how Chapter 13 works, and help you determine whether it’s the right path for you. Our firm is here to help you take control of your finances and your future one step at a time.