A Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer in Bakersfield helps individuals with regular income restructure their debts into an affordable 3–5 year repayment plan. Unlike Chapter 7, Chapter 13 lets you keep all your assets while catching up on mortgages, car loans, and tax debts. An experienced Bakersfield Chapter 13 attorney will craft a repayment plan that works within your budget and negotiate with creditors on your behalf.
Chapter 13 lawyer fees typically range from $2,500 to $6,000 — and in most cases, attorney fees are included in your repayment plan, meaning little to no upfront cost. Court filing fee: $313. Free consultations are standard.
Typical fee structure: Flat fee: $2,500 – $6,000 (often in repayment plan)
Average settlement/outcome: N/A (debt reorganization)
Fees range from $2,500 to $6,000, but most attorney fees are rolled into your repayment plan — meaning little to no money upfront.
Chapter 13 restructures debt into a 3–5 year plan and lets you keep all assets. Chapter 7 eliminates debt but may require surrendering non-exempt property.
Yes — it stops foreclosure immediately and lets you catch up on missed mortgage payments through your repayment plan over 3–5 years.
3–5 years depending on your income. Below-median income: 3 years. Above-median: 5 years. Remaining eligible debt is discharged at completion.
All debts are included — secured (mortgage, car), unsecured (credit cards, medical), and priority (taxes, support). Unsecured creditors often receive pennies on the dollar.
Yes — and you may be able to reduce your car loan balance to the vehicle's current value (cramdown) if the loan is more than 910 days old.