| Introduction to Chapter 13 |
| Your Case Number |
| Your Attorney |
| Your Address |
| Calls to the Trustee's Office |
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Introduction: Chapter 13 is one method under the Bankruptcy code to obtain relief from your creditors while at the same time providing a fair means to pay them back as much as you can. It allows you to keep most or all of your property during the time you are paying creditors back, and it permits you to modify some contract payments, interest rates and length of obligations. Creditors can take action against you only after you have had "your day in court" and the Judge allows it. Chapter 13 has gained widespread acceptance across the country as an attractive alternative to "straight bankruptcy" under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code. Return to the Top |
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Your
Case Number: At the time your Chapter 13 petition was filed, the Bankruptcy Court assigned your case a number. This number is very important. You will need it whenever you call or write to the Trustee's office or when you make a payment to the Trustee. Return to the Top |
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Your
Attorney: Under the rules of the Bankruptcy Court, your attorney must continue to appear and represent you for as long as your case is active or until the Judge permits your attorney to withdraw from your case. If you ever have a legal question concerning your case, a creditor, your rights or options, make it a rule to ask your attorney first. In many cases, your attorney will be paid his or her legal fee through your Chapter 13 plan. Be sure that you and your attorney have discussed fully whether additional legal services during your plan will cost you more money, or whether the initial fee will cover all legal services. Bear in mind that all legal fees must be reviewed and approved by the Bankruptcy Judge. You may even change attorneys during the life of your plan, but please let the Trustee know the name and address of your new attorney. |
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Your
Address: The Trustee must have your exact mailing address for as long as you are in Chapter 13. All notices, letters, checks, etc., will be mailed to the address which you put on your petition until you or your attorney tells us to send them somewhere else. If you ever move or change your mailing address, you must inform your attorney and the Trustee, in writing, of your new address. Any changes in address or employment must be reported to the Chapter 13 Trustee immediately. |
| Calls
to the Trustee's Office: Our phone number is (501) 537-2500. We provide a toll free number for debtors only living outside the Little Rock area, 1-866-797-3687. The office is open five days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you have a question which your attorney cannot answer, you may call the Trustee's office during those hours. Do not feel that you have to talk personally with the Trustee; the staff is familiar with the policies and guidelines in Chapter 13 and is well qualified to discuss with you any problems or questions that may arise. The Trustee and his staff cannot give you any legal advice, however; you should direct all legal questions to your attorney. |