Selection rule
Compare how the firm handles year two—not only day one.
A Chapter 13 case may continue for three to five years. The lawyer’s systems for claims, trustee objections, income changes, payment problems, mortgage notices, and plan modifications can matter as much as the initial filing. Ask who remains responsible after confirmation and how problems are identified.
Test the preliminary plan, not just the sales pitch
| Input | What the lawyer should examine |
|---|---|
| Income | Frequency, stability, bonuses, self-employment, household contributions, and likely changes |
| Secured debt | Mortgage arrears, vehicle claims, collateral value, direct payments, and proposed plan treatment |
| Priority debt | Taxes, domestic support, and other amounts that may require special treatment |
| Property | Equity, exemptions, liens, and the liquidation comparison that may affect distributions |
| Living expenses | Whether the budget leaves a durable margin for ordinary changes and emergencies |
Questions about service after confirmation
- Who reviews proofs of claim and the trustee’s recommendations?
- How will I know if a mortgage notice or payment change is filed?
- What should I do before changing jobs, selling property, borrowing, or missing a payment?
- How does the firm handle income drops, major expenses, or a proposed plan modification?
- Which events are covered by the original fee and which may require additional approval?
- Who responds if a creditor keeps collecting or a stay issue arises?
Local experience that can be verified
Ask the lawyer to identify the bankruptcy court, Chapter 13 trustee, current local plan form, payment method, and fee procedure likely to apply. Verify the court and local rules yourself. Specific, checkable answers are more useful than “we know every trustee” claims.
Compare fee treatment
A Chapter 13 fee may be divided between an amount paid before filing and an amount requested through the plan. Local presumptive-fee practices do not make every case or service identical. Obtain a written explanation of the total requested fee, services included, extra-work policy, payment treatment, and what happens after conversion or dismissal.
Chapter 13 warning signs
- A plan payment quoted without a complete income, debt, asset, arrears, and expense review.
- No explanation of how the ongoing mortgage, vehicle, or support payment fits the budget.
- No named person responsible for issues after the confirmation hearing.
- “Zero down” language that hides court fees or the treatment of attorney fees.
- A guarantee that the plan will be confirmed or completed.
Official sources
Build the shortlist
Use the full Chapter 13 attorney guide to prepare documents, compare fees, and test plan assumptions across consultations.