1. “There is no denying the fact that some people are better off
with Chapter 7 bankruptcy. However, there are many times
when Chapter 13 is the right choice.”
WHY PHILADELPHIA
CHAPTER 13
BANKRUPTCY COULD
BE BETTER THAN
CHAPTER 7
DAVID M. OFFEN
PHILADELPHIA BANKRUPTCY ATTORNEY

2. Why Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Could Be Better Than Chapter 7 www.getfreeofbills.com
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When a person begins to consider bankruptcy, many questions come to
mind. Is this the right decision? How long will it take for the process to be
finalized? How will it help my finances moving forward? Will I lose any
property?
You have the right to ask and answer all these questions. In fact, you
should immediately address any question that comes up.
Here is one of the biggest and most important: what type of bankruptcy is
right for you?

3. Why Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Could Be Better Than Chapter 7 www.getfreeofbills.com
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Most people who are thinking about bankruptcy want to file for Chapter 7.
They understand that Chapter 13 is an option, but would rather file for
Chapter 7 for one reason: most or all of their debt will be discharged. As if
that is not enough, they don’t have to a repayment plan.
Even with all that in mind, there is a problem: not everybody qualifies for
Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If you find yourself in this position, Chapter 13 may
be your only option. In addition, Chapter 13 may be much better for you
in a number of different situations.
There are many reasons why Chapter 13 is preferable to Chapter 7. Once
you become familiar with the benefits, you may find yourself moving down
this path soon enough.

4. Why Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Could Be Better Than Chapter 7 www.getfreeofbills.com
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1. You have fallen behind on a mortgage or car payment. With
Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you are not given the option to make up missed
payments through a repayment plan. With Chapter 13, you can use the
repayment plan to
your advantage. Over
the course of three to
five years, you can
get your finances back
on track by slowly
paying back whatever
mortgage payments
you missed. Once
your plan comes to an
end, as long as you
have made payments
in full, you will be in a
much better position.
2. The option to
repay your debt.
There are people who
have no problem
discharging as much debt as possible through Chapter 7 bankruptcy. And
then there are people who don’t want to go down this path. They
borrowed money and they feel bad about having it discharged. With

5. Why Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Could Be Better Than Chapter 7 www.getfreeofbills.com
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Chapter 13 bankruptcy, these people have the option to repay some or all
of their debt based on what they can afford to pay. In the end, this makes
them feel better about their situation.
There are also some people who have too much income and who are
required to make some payments on their debts. An experienced
bankruptcy lawyer can advise if this applies to you.
3. You want to protect nonexempt property. With Chapter 7
bankruptcy, you are able to keep all exempt property. However, this is not
true of nonexempt property. If you want to avoid confusion in this area,
Chapter 13 is the better of the two options. With this type of filing, you
don’t have to concern yourself with losing any nonexempt property.

6. Why Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Could Be Better Than Chapter 7 www.getfreeofbills.com
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DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS?
There is a good chance you will have questions regarding the finer details
of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. This is only natural. You know
there are pros and cons of both filings. You also know that you want to
make the right decision without delay.

7. Why Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Could Be Better Than Chapter 7 www.getfreeofbills.com
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There is no denying the fact that some people are better off with Chapter 7
bankruptcy. However,
there are many times
when Chapter 13 is the
right choice.Now that
you have reviewed the
three details above, you
have a better
understanding of why
Chapter 13 bankruptcy
may be preferential.
If bankruptcy is on your mind, it is hard to make a final decision as to what
you should do next. Even so, once you formulate a plan you are in position
to move forward full steam ahead.
There are times when Chapter 13 bankruptcy is better than Chapter 7. If
you are ready to get started, keep a clear mind as you compare both
options.

8. Why Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Could Be Better Than Chapter 7 www.getfreeofbills.com
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About the Author
David M. Offen
A native to the Philadelphia area, Mr. Offen attended Temple University College and Law
School. Mr. Offen is licensed to practice in the States of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He is a
member of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Conference and the National
Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.
David M. Offen has over 20 years of experience and has helped over 8,500 individuals and
families go through the Bankruptcy process. These filings have included stopping foreclosure on
a home, stopping repossession of a car or vehicle, stopping IRS tax levies and frozen bank
accounts and putting a stop to; lawsuits, credit card bills, personal loans, bills, utility shutoffs
and other types of debt.
With Mr. Offen’s help, these families have saved countless millions of dollars of debt.
David enjoys getting to know his clients and will be happy to answer any and all questions you
may have. You are treated as a person and not a number.
Remember – there is no such thing as a silly question. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions you
may have. David M. Offen has found that people looking to file Bankruptcy are not trying to
avoid their responsibilities but rather to make a difficult situation easier. David enjoys getting
people to stop worrying and making their financial lives much better and helping people stop
feeling overwhelmed.
In some cases, Bankruptcy is not the best move and he can review your situation with you and
tell you the right move for you to make. Get a completely free evaluation of your situation. For
the past 20 years, the Law Offices of David M. Offen has been among the top filers of
bankruptcy in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
The Law Offices of David M. Offen
215-625-9600
www.getfreeofbills.com
The Curtis Center
601 Walnut Street, Suite 160 West – 1st Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19106