Skilled Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorneys Serving Maryland And DC
The constant stress of debt can feel overwhelming. Thoughts of losing your home to foreclosure or your car to repossession may be keeping you up at night. When debt becomes unmanageable, Chapter 13 bankruptcy offers a practical solution that helps you regain control while protecting important assets.
Our bankruptcy attorneys at The Ingram Firm, L.L.C., have guided DC and Baltimore metro residents through financial challenges for over 25 years. We have served countless clients throughout Maryland and D.C, including the communities of Columbia and Largo, with a focus on making this complex process understandable. As dedicated bankruptcy lawyers, our job is to break down your legal options into plain language and help chart you a path toward financial stability.
How Chapter 13 Can Help You
Chapter 13 bankruptcy focuses on reorganizing your debts into a manageable repayment plan rather than eliminating them entirely. Here are the specific ways Chapter 13 helps you regain control of your finances:
- Protecting your home from foreclosure: Chapter 13 bankruptcy immediately halts foreclosure proceedings and allows you to include your missed mortgage payments in your repayment plans. This can give you several years to catch up without the constant threat of losing your home.
- Stopping wage garnishments: Filing puts an immediate end to garnishment of your paychecks, restoring your full income.
- Ending creditor harassment: The automatic stay prevents creditors from calling, sending collection letters or taking legal action against you, bringing immediate peace to your daily life.
These protections work together to offer you a comprehensive form of debt relief. Reach out to our office today to learn if this financial tool is the right solution for your unique financial situation.
Who Qualifies For Chapter 13 Bankruptcy In Maryland?
Not everyone facing financial hardship qualifies for Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection. You must meet specific requirements and understanding them is a critical first step. These include:
- You must have a regular income: You must show the court that you have a stable and reliable source of income. This can come from a job, self-employment or other regular benefits.
- Your debts cannot exceed certain limits: As of 2025, your secured debts must be less than $1,580,125 and unsecured debts less than $526,700 to qualify.
- You must be an individual or a married couple: Businesses cannot file for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, though individual business owners may file personally.
- You cannot have had a recent bankruptcy dismissal: If you had a bankruptcy case dismissed within the last 180 days for specific reasons, you may be temporarily ineligible.
- You must be current on tax filings: You need to have filed tax returns for the past four years.
These requirements can seem complicated, and every person’s financial picture is unique. You do not have to figure this out on your own. The most reliable way to determine if you qualify is to review your finances with a knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney.
The Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Process
The process begins with gathering your financial information and completing required credit counseling. We then prepare and file your petition and repayment plan with the bankruptcy court. About 30 days after filing, you will attend a meeting of creditors where you answer basic questions about your finances under oath – and we will be right beside you.
The court will schedule a confirmation hearing where a judge reviews and hopefully approves your repayment plan. Once confirmed, you will make monthly payments to a bankruptcy trustee who distributes funds to your creditors according to your plan.
Take The First Step Toward Financial Freedom – Call The Ingram Firm, L.L.C., Today
Don’t let another day pass under the weight of overwhelming debt when a solution is within reach. Call us at 410-541-1570 or fill out this contact form to schedule your Free Consultation.