Introduction:
Chapter 13 is one method under the Bankruptcy code to obtain relief from
your creditors while at the same time providing a fair means to pay them
back as much as you can. It allows you to keep most or all of your
property during the time you are paying creditors back, and it permits you
to modify some contract payments, interest rates and length of
obligations. Chapter 13 has gained widespread acceptance across the country
as an attractive alternative to "straight bankruptcy" under
Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code.
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Your
Case Number:
At the time your
Chapter 13 petition was filed, the Bankruptcy Court assigned your case a
number. This number is very important. You will need it
whenever you call or write to the Trustee's office or when you make a
payment to the Trustee.
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Your
Attorney:
Under the rules of the Bankruptcy Court, your attorney must continue to
appear and represent you for as long as your case is active or until the
Judge permits your attorney to withdraw from your case. If you
ever have a legal question concerning your case, a creditor, your rights
or options, make it a rule to ask your attorney first. In many
cases, your attorney will be paid his or her legal fee through your
Chapter 13 plan. Be sure that you and your attorney have discussed
fully whether additional legal services during your plan will cost you
more money, or whether the initial fee will cover all legal
services. Bear in mind that all legal fees must be reviewed and
approved by the Bankruptcy Judge. You may even change attorneys
during the life of your plan, but please let the Trustee know the name
and address of your new attorney.
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Your
Address:
The Trustee must
have your exact mailing address for as long as you are in Chapter
13. All notices, letters, checks, etc., will be mailed to the
address which you put on your petition until you or your attorney tells
us to send them somewhere else. If you ever move or change your
mailing address, you must inform your attorney and the
Trustee, in writing, of your new address. Any
changes in address or employment must be reported to the Chapter 13
Trustee immediately.
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Calls
to the Trustee's Office:
Our phone number
is (501) 374-1572. We provide a toll free number for debtors
only living outside the Little Rock area, 1-800-339-1582. The office is open five days a week from 8:00
a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you have a question which your attorney
cannot answer, you may call the Trustee's office during those
hours. Do not feel that you have to talk personally with the
Trustee; the staff is familiar with the policies and guidelines in
Chapter 13 and is well qualified to discuss with you any problems or
questions that may arise. The Trustee and his staff cannot give
you any legal advice, however; you should direct all legal questions to
your attorney.
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