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Chapter 13 Helping Norfolk Residents Regain Their Financial Health Since 1991

Norfolk Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney

Get Chapter 13 Guidance Backed by Experience Since 1991

Chapter 13 bankruptcy gives people with regular income a way to reorganize debt through a court-approved repayment plan. You may consider it if you’re behind on mortgage or car payments, facing foreclosure or wage garnishment, or trying to retain property while addressing your debts.

Filing a bankruptcy petition generally triggers the automatic stay, which stops many collection actions. Exceptions and timing limits can apply, especially after a prior filing. Prompt legal review matters when a foreclosure sale, repossession, garnishment, or lawsuit is pending.

Call (804) 358-9900 to discuss your debts, income, property, and options with our Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys.

Comparing Chapter 13 & Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Chapter 13 uses a repayment plan that typically lasts three to five years. Chapter 7 follows different eligibility and liquidation rules governing how assets and debts are treated. Neither chapter is right for everyone.

We handle both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases. Before recommending a course of action, we review your income, assets, debts, payment history, prior filings, and current collection activity. Our Chapter 13 lawyers can explain whether your income may support a workable plan and how filing could affect property you want to keep.

Your Second Chance Starts Here

There's A Path forward

  • Debt Relief
    Debt Relief

    Overwhelming debt happens when your financial obligations become unmanageable, making it difficult to keep up with payments, and we help you assess options to regain control and find relief.

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  • Vehicle Repossession
    Vehicle Repossession

    Vehicle repossession occurs when a lender takes back your car due to missed payments, and we help you understand your rights and explore solutions to prevent or resolve it.

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  • Creditor Reporting Review
    Creditor Reporting Review

    Creditor reporting review involves examining how your debts are reported to credit agencies, ensuring accuracy, and identifying errors that could impact your credit score.

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  • Garnishment & Warrants in Debt
    Garnishment & Warrants in Debt

    Garnishments and debt warrants occur when creditors use legal means to seize your wages or property, and we guide you through your rights and options to challenge or resolve these actions.

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  • Foreclosure
    Foreclosure

    Foreclosure is the legal process where a lender takes back your home due to missed mortgage payments, and we help you explore options to protect your property.

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  • Evictions
    Evictions

    Eviction is the legal process of being removed from your rental property, and we help you understand your rights and explore ways to prevent or resolve it.

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Proudly Serving Communities Ready for a Second Chance

Our Offices

  • "I am beyond thankful!"

    The professionalism, empathy respect and guidance that I received at the Boleman law office was an unforgettable experience that uplift my journey.

    - Monica B.
  • "Boleman law firm has been the best law firm in Virginia."
    They helped me and my wife so much I could never repay them for the help they did for us and they were very kind and helpful and always took my calls and always made sure I was doing my part and they never ever let us down they saved our home our automobiles and that was our life as I said they were like family the way they treated us and did so much for us and the price they charged us was so cheap and they never let us down. To us there is no other law firm that is like family.
    - David R.
  • "I highly recommend Boleman Law firm if you are considering bankruptcy."
    Boleman Law Firm possesses some great lawyers. I had some fears about filing for bankruptcy but their staff walked me through the entire process. I was treated with respect and compassion. It’s not easy deciding to file for bankruptcy but Boleman made the process easy and relatively straightforward.
    - Robert M.
  • "Guided us to a successful outcome."

    We had a great experience . Their team is amazing. Very professional while being considerate of 2 older folks with special needs.

    - Tom G.
Because Clarity Makes the Path Easier

Your Questions, Answered

The Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Process in Norfolk

Cases for Norfolk residents proceed through the Norfolk Division of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. At each stage, you’ll meet with the lawyer or administrative professional suited to the task.

The Chapter 13 process generally includes:

  • Financial review: We examine your income, living expenses, property, debts, missed payments, lawsuits, garnishments, and prior bankruptcy cases.
  • Petition preparation: We prepare detailed financial disclosures, creditor information, asset schedules, and other required documents.
  • Repayment plan development: The proposed plan explains how priority, secured, and unsecured claims will be treated. Secured claims are backed by collateral, while unsecured debts generally include credit cards and medical bills.
  • Trustee administration: The Chapter 13 trustee reviews the case, collects plan payments, and distributes funds to creditors under the confirmed plan.
  • Court requirements: You must complete required counseling and education, attend a meeting of creditors, and obtain court approval of the proposed plan.
  • Continuing obligations: You must make required payments and comply with the confirmed plan throughout its three-to-five-year term.

How Chapter 13 May Address Your Home, Vehicle, & Other Debts

A Chapter 13 repayment plan may provide time to address certain overdue secured debts while the case remains active. Their treatment depends on the type of debt, payment history, collateral, filing date, income, and applicable bankruptcy rules.

Mortgage Arrears & Foreclosure

Mortgage arrears are overdue home-loan payments. A plan may allow you to address them over time, although regular post-filing mortgage payments generally remain due. Filing before a scheduled foreclosure may stop the sale through the automatic stay, but prior cases, timing, and legal exceptions can affect that protection.

Car Loan Arrears & Repossession

Chapter 13 may allow you to address car loan arrears through the repayment plan. Treatment depends on the loan terms, the collateral’s value, when the debt was incurred, and whether repossession has already occurred. Our Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer can review those details and explain your options.

Credit Cards & Medical Bills

Unsecured debt isn’t backed by property. Credit cards and medical bills may be treated differently from mortgages, vehicle loans, taxes, domestic support obligations, and other secured or priority claims. Eligible balances may be discharged after you complete all applicable plan requirements, but discharge isn’t automatic.

Virginia Consumer Bankruptcy Experience Since 1991

Boleman Law Firm, P.C. is Virginia’s largest consumer bankruptcy law firm. We’ve helped more than 140,000 Virginians regain their financial health since 1991.

Our 13 attorneys work alongside more than 30 additional professionals. This team structure connects you with the appropriate lawyer or administrative professional at each step while supporting timely responses to calls and emails.

Get a Clear Chapter 13 Case Assessment

During your free, no-risk consultation, we’ll review your income, property, debts, missed payments, and pending creditor actions. We can then explain whether Chapter 13 may fit your circumstances and outline the next steps under bankruptcy law.

Virtual meetings are available, allowing Norfolk residents to speak with an experienced bankruptcy attorney without visiting an office.

Schedule a free, no-risk consultation, or call (804) 358-9900 to speak with Boleman Law Firm, P.C..

frequently asked questions

we will help you

  • What Is the Difference Between Chapter 7 & Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

    There are two primary types of consumer bankruptcy: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.

    A Chapter 7 bankruptcy, also known as a liquidation bankruptcy, allows for the discharge of many unsecured debts, such as credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans. In exchange, non-exempt assets may be sold to repay creditors.

    A Chapter 13 or “wage earner plan” bankruptcy creates a repayment plan for all or part of your debt. This plan typically lasts three to five years and is often used to stop foreclosure, catch up on mortgage or car payments, and reorganize priority debts.

  • What Is an “Automatic Stay” in Bankruptcy?

    An automatic stay is a court order that goes into effect as soon as a bankruptcy case is filed. It temporarily stops most collection actions, including wage garnishments, repossessions, foreclosures, and creditor lawsuits. This protection is immediate, but it can be limited in certain circumstances, especially for repeat filings.

  • How Do I Know if Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Is Right for Me?

    The right chapter depends on your income, assets, debt type, and goals, such as stopping foreclosure or wiping out credit cards. Each type offers unique benefits and drawbacks, making it crucial to consult a knowledgeable bankruptcy lawyer about your specific situation.

    At Boleman Law Firm, P.C., we offer free consultations to help you understand your legal options. Our attorneys can carefully review your case and financial goals to determine the best path forward and pursue a favorable outcome.

  • Can Bankruptcy Stop Debt Collection Calls & Lawsuits?

    Debt collectors are generally prohibited from continuing collection activities during pending bankruptcy cases. Once the automatic stay is in place, creditors and collectors must stop contacting you and pursuing lawsuits. However, there are some limited exceptions to this rule. Having an experienced bankruptcy lawyer on your side is critical to protecting your rights.

  • Can Bankruptcy Discharge My Student Loan Debt?

    No, student loans cannot be discharged in bankruptcy. However, there are some instances where bankruptcy may discharge other debts. In some cases, filing for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy can allow you to create a court-approved repayment plan.

    Depending on your income and overall debt, this plan can reduce or pause certain loan payments. Our lawyers are well versed in these legal nuances to help you make informed choices for your financial future.

  • How Long Does Bankruptcy Stay on a Credit Report in Virginia?

    Bankruptcy can be reflected on your credit record for up to ten years, regardless of the type or outcome of the case. While bankruptcy filings can affect credit scores, rebuilding credit is possible with help from a trusted bankruptcy lawyer. Our firm can assess your financial situation and help you find practical solutions to move forward with your life.

  • Do I Need a Bankruptcy Attorney?

    Bankruptcy often has long-term financial and legal consequences for individuals and their families. Working with a competent lawyer is highly recommended to protect your future. Below are some key ways that an experienced attorney can assist you:

    • Determining the right bankruptcy chapter. Your lawyer can help you decide between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 to prevent a dismissal.
    • Protecting assets. Your attorney can identify potential exemptions to retain property and avoid the unnecessary loss of valuable assets.
    • Filing paperwork. Legal guidance is essential for completing forms accurately and on time while preventing errors and omissions.
    • Handling creditor disputes. Your lawyer can negotiate or respond to objections from creditors or trustees to minimize surprises and potential liability.
    • Navigating the legal proceedings. Your attorney can represent your best interests at the 341 meeting and advise you in subsequent court hearings to prevent mistakes that may jeopardize or delay your case.
We Will Help You Start Rebuilding with Us Today
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Boleman Law Firm, P.C. Boleman Law Firm, P.C.
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