

What it does:
- Eliminates many unsecured debts (credit cards, medical bills).
- Trustee may sell nonexempt assets to repay creditors.
How it may affect your mortgage:
- Chapter 7 does not eliminate secured debts simply by filing. If you want to keep the home and you’re behind on mortgage payments, Chapter 7 alone usually won’t stop foreclosure unless you immediately catch up on payments or negotiate with the lender.
- If you cannot keep the home, Chapter 7 may let you walk away with fewer unsecured debts, but the lender can still foreclose unless you negotiate or file another protective measure.
Good for:
- Homeowners who don’t plan to keep the house and need a fresh start on unsecured debt.
What it does:
- Creates a court-approved repayment plan (typically 3–5 years) to catch up on missed mortgage payments while keeping the home.
- The automatic stay prevents foreclosure while your Chapter 13 plan is in place.
How it helps with preforeclosure:
- Stops foreclosure sales and sheriff auctions while you reorganize.
- You can pay past-due amounts over time through the Chapter 13 plan rather than in a lump sum.
- In many cases, interest and fees may be restructured in the plan.
Good for:
- Homeowners who can realistically afford a restructured payment plan and want to keep the home.

Immediate halt to foreclosure actions (automatic stay).
Time to reorganize finances and negotiate with lenders.
Chapter 13 can allow you to catch up on missed mortgage payments over time.
May stop deficiency judgments depending on how the case and state law interact.
Can provide a structured plan and peace of mind.
Bankruptcy appears on credit reports (Chapter 7 or 13) and has long-term credit effects.
Chapter 7 may not prevent foreclosure if you can’t reinstate or redeem the mortgage.
Costs: attorney fees, filing fees, trustee payments (varies).
Potentially losing non-exempt assets (Chapter 7).
Complex legal paperwork — mistakes can be costly.

Filing triggers an automatic stay that usually stops eviction and auction procedures while the stay is in effect. However, if eviction follows a prior judgment or other special circumstances, consult an attorney.
Both Chapter 7 and 13 can remain on your credit report for 7–10 years. But stopping foreclosure or avoiding it altogether can protect your long-term financial future better than a completed foreclosure in many cases.
Costs vary by attorney and case complexity. Expect filing fees, attorney fees, and possible trustee or plan payments in Chapter 13.
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