Chapter 13 Lawyer in Lufkin

If your debt is ruining your life, Chapter 13 bankruptcy could help you regain control of your finances. Through this bankruptcy option, you may be able to keep your property while making payments on your debts over three to five years.

At the Law Offices of W. David Stephens, we have over four decades of experience successfully helping thousands of clients with Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Lufkin. While many law firms do not take on Chapter 13 matters, Mr. Stephens stands ready to guide clients through every step.

To schedule your free consultation with our experienced Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer in Lufkin, dial (936) 298-5388 now or contact us online.

What Is Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is also referred to as a wage earner’s plan. Individuals with a regular income can develop a plan to repay all or part of their debts. The monthly payment amount is determined by several factors, including your disposable income as measured by the Texas Means Test.

Many people in Lufkin choose Chapter 13 because it can protect from foreclosure proceedings specific to our community. The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Texas manages these cases, ensuring that all local filings comply with both federal standards and state procedures. Before your case starts, our firm reviews your financial information to help you meet all local and state requirements. We explain the necessary documentation you will need when filing in the Lufkin area and prepare you for each step along the way.

Is Chapter 13 Bankruptcy the Right Choice for You?

Chapter 13 offers an option for those who do not qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, or for those who prefer to avoid the liquidation of their assets. A central benefit of Chapter 13 bankruptcy is that a debtor is not required to sell his or her assets to pay off debt.

By filing in Lufkin, you can access flexible repayment plans designed to fit your current income and assets. The court will consider your living costs, current obligations, and the value of your property in Texas to make a plan tailored to your situation. Working with a knowledgeable Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney in Lufkin lets you explore how local rules affect your proposed repayment and what Texas exemptions apply—helping you choose the solution that supports your long-term financial stability.

Additional benefits of filing for Chapter 13 include:

• Reducing debts so you only have to pay a fraction of the debt
• Consolidating debts so you have one monthly payment
• Preventing home foreclosure
• Making up missed car or mortgage payments to avoid repossession
• Paying back your taxes
• Stopping late fees from accruing on your debts

Although you will need to repay some debt under Chapter 13, if you comply with the repayment agreement, the court can discharge the remaining eligible debts at the end of your plan.

Benefits of Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

While bankruptcy is sometimes viewed as a last resort, Chapter 13 can offer powerful relief for Texas individuals and families facing debt challenges.

Here are just a few reasons why Chapter 13 may be worth considering:

• Stop foreclosure: If you are behind on mortgage payments, Chapter 13 can help you catch up and save your home from foreclosure.
• Reorganize debt: Chapter 13 lets you restructure your debt into a manageable plan, giving you the time to catch up on missed payments and avoid late fees and penalties.
• Protect your assets: Unlike Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which may require you to liquidate certain assets to pay off debt, Chapter 13 enables you to keep your property and assets while addressing your debts.
• Stop creditor harassment: Filing for Chapter 13 can end harassing calls and letters from creditors, giving you much-needed peace of mind.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Lufkin follows strict timelines, often requiring you to begin your repayment plan within 30 days of filing your case. The trustee appointed by the local court will review your plan and monitor payments, helping you stay on track. During this process, our firm remains accessible, answering your questions so you know what to expect and how to adjust if your financial situation changes. Staying in contact with your Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney in Lufkin and completing all required court disclosures positions you to make the most of your fresh start.

If you're considering Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you should work with an experienced attorney who can guide you through each step and help you make informed decisions about your financial future. Contact the Law Offices of W. David Stephens today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a debt-free life.

How the Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Process Works in Lufkin

Before you file, you will meet with an attorney to review your income, assets, debts, and expenses. In Lufkin, your case will proceed through the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Texas. After your attorney helps you gather the necessary documents, you will consider proposed monthly payments and potential timelines that match your current financial situation. The court appoints a trustee who reviews the repayment plan and ensures you follow procedures unique to the district.

Once the court confirms your plan, you will begin making monthly payments, usually within one month. During the repayment period, you must stay current on payments, report any significant income changes, and complete a financial management course according to local rules. Our team guides clients through these steps, helping everything proceed smoothly and in line with regulations in Angelina County and surrounding areas.

Texas Bankruptcy Exemptions & Local Legal Considerations

Texas law provides bankruptcy exemptions that can allow you to keep essential property, including your home and vehicle, when you file for Chapter 13. Unlike some states, Texas offers generous homestead protections, making it possible for many families in the Lufkin area to keep their primary residence. These exemptions support local homeowners in creating repayment plans that fit their circumstances and protect their homes.

The court reviews which exemptions apply in your situation to determine what assets you can keep and how repayment will work. Our understanding of bankruptcy law in East Texas means we can explain the exemptions available to you and help you choose options that serve you best. This practical approach helps you make informed decisions moving forward as you consider the regional impact on your bankruptcy case.

Get Legal Help for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Lufkin

To find out if you are eligible for bankruptcy Chapter 13, contact the Law Offices of W. David Stephens. We can help you determine if you qualify and offer reliable legal advice about the options that fit your situation.

Our office has deep roots in the Lufkin community and a clear understanding of how local factors might affect your case. We offer guidance on matters specific to the Eastern District of Texas, including how state exemptions and property laws may impact your Chapter 13 repayment plan. Our established relationships in the local court system help us stay informed of any changes in Lufkin’s bankruptcy process, including updates that could affect your case directly.

When you turn to our firm, our bankruptcy lawyer in Lufkin will handle your case personally from start to finish. We proudly serve clients throughout East Texas.

To learn more about how Chapter 13 can help you become debt-free, reach out online or call (936) 298-5388 to speak with a Lufkin Chapter 13 lawyer.