Stop Foreclosure and Repay Debt Over Time

Chapter 13 bankruptcy representation for individuals with regular income in Hackettstown, New Jersey

Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows individuals with regular income to stop foreclosure, repossession, and wage garnishment while repaying a portion of their debts through a court-approved plan. If you are behind on your mortgage or car loan and need time to catch up, this filing provides legal protection while you make monthly payments over three to five years. In Hackettstown, Jonathan Stone ESQ CPA MST LLC works with clients who need to preserve their home or vehicle and have the income to support a structured repayment plan.

The process begins with a detailed review of your income, expenses, and debts to determine what you can afford to pay each month. Jonathan Stone ESQ CPA MST LLC prepares a repayment plan that meets New Jersey trustee and court requirements, then represents you at the confirmation hearing where the plan is approved. Once confirmed, you make monthly payments to a trustee who distributes funds to your creditors. The firm provides ongoing representation throughout the life of your plan, including any modifications or issues that arise.

If you live in Hackettstown and need to stop foreclosure or repossession while keeping your property, contact Jonathan Stone ESQ CPA MST LLC to discuss whether Chapter 13 is the right option for your case.

How the repayment plan is built and confirmed

Your attorney starts by calculating your disposable income, which is what remains after paying necessary living expenses and secured debts like your mortgage and car loan. In Hackettstown, this calculation follows federal guidelines and accounts for New Jersey cost-of-living standards. The goal is to propose a monthly payment that you can sustain for the full term of the plan.

Once the plan is filed, the automatic stay stops all collection actions, including foreclosure and repossession. You attend a confirmation hearing where the trustee and any objecting creditors review your proposal. After the court confirms your plan, you begin making monthly payments to the trustee, who distributes the funds according to the terms of your plan.

This service includes plan preparation, representation at the confirmation hearing, and ongoing support throughout the three to five year repayment period. It does not cover missed plan payments or voluntary dismissals, but it does include assistance with plan modifications if your income or expenses change during the case.

Clients considering Chapter 13 typically want to know whether they can afford the monthly payment, what happens if they miss a payment, and how long they will be under court supervision. These are the questions that shape the consultation process.

Here are the concerns most people bring up first

Your payment is based on your disposable income after subtracting necessary living expenses and secured debt payments. The trustee and court review your budget to ensure the payment is realistic and meets minimum repayment requirements under federal law.
How is my monthly payment amount determined?
Missing payments can result in your case being dismissed, which removes the protection of the automatic stay. Your attorney can file a motion to cure the default or modify your plan if your financial situation has changed.
What happens if I miss a plan payment?
Yes, that is one of the main reasons people file Chapter 13. You can catch up on missed mortgage or car payments through your plan while keeping the property, as long as you stay current on ongoing payments and plan contributions.
Can I keep my house and car in Chapter 13?
Plans last three to five years depending on your income level. If your income is below the state median, your plan may be three years. If it is above the median, the plan is typically five years.
How long does a Chapter 13 plan last?
Chapter 13 cases last several years, and issues like income changes, creditor objections, or plan modifications often arise. Jonathan Stone ESQ CPA MST LLC provides representation throughout the entire case, not just at filing, so you have legal support when those issues come up.
Why does ongoing representation matter in Chapter 13?

If you are facing foreclosure or repossession and want to explore whether a structured repayment plan is right for your situation, Jonathan Stone ESQ CPA MST LLC offers consultations that walk through your income, debts, and long-term options. Reach out today to start the conversation.