Chapter 13 Bankruptcy – Reorganize Your Debts

What is Chapter 13?

Chapter 13 bankruptcy in California allows individuals with steady income to restructure debt and pay it back over time. Often called the “wage earner’s plan,” it is particularly valuable for families who want to save a home from foreclosure in bankruptcy or keep other important assets. At Shioda Langley & Chang, LLP, our attorneys in Santa Ana, Riverside, and Los Angeles have guided many households through this process.

Benefits of Chapter 13

The Repayment Plan

The repayment plan lasts three to five years, depending on income. Each month, payments are made to a trustee, who distributes funds to creditors. At the end, any remaining eligible unsecured debt is discharged. Our Chapter 13 lawyers in Orange County and beyond focus on crafting realistic plans that meet court approval and fit your budget.

  • Keep all property—no forced liquidation.
  • Catch up on mortgage or car loan arrears.
  • Consolidate payments into one monthly plan.
  • Reduce certain loan balances (“cram down”).
  • Protect co-signers from creditor action.
  • Stop interest on many tax debts.

Chapter 13 Process

The steps include:

Black number one.
Filing a petition and repayment plan.
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Automatic stay halts foreclosure and collections.
Black number 3 on a white background.
Confirmation hearing where the court approves the plan.
Black and white geometric shapes, the start of an "A" is visible on the right.
Monthly payments to the trustee.
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Discharge of remaining debts after plan completion.

Who Should Consider Chapter 13?

Chapter 13 is ideal for:

  • Individuals who don’t qualify for Chapter 7 due to higher income.
  • Homeowners behind on mortgage payments who want to keep their property.
  • Those with valuable assets that would not be exempt in Chapter 7.
  • People who want structured, predictable repayment rather than liquidation.

Common Questions

  • Can I get a Chapter 13 plan if I’m unemployed?

    No, income is required.

  • What if my income changes during the plan?

    Plans can sometimes be modified if circumstances shift.

  • How long is a Chapter 13 plan?

    Typically three or five years.


  • Will Chapter 13 ruin my credit?

    It will impact your credit, but less severely than defaulting or foreclosure.

Our Chapter 13 Services

At Shioda Langley & Chang, we evaluate your finances carefully to create feasible repayment plans. Our attorneys negotiate with trustees, protect client interests in court, and handle creditor objections. We have extensive experience helping families in Los Angeles, Orange County, and Riverside move forward with confidence.

Contact Us for Debt Restructuring

 If you’re facing foreclosure or struggling to manage multiple debts, Chapter 13 may provide the structure you need. Our team is ready to help you understand your options.