Chapter 13 Bankruptcy · Lake Charles
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Lake Charles, Louisiana
Gerald J. Casey offers Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Lake Charles, Louisiana, helping residents reorganize and repay debt through a court-approved plan rather than liquidating assets. It's designed for people with regular income who want to keep property like a home or car while catching up on missed payments over three to five years.
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Chapter 13 Bankruptcy · Lake Charles
What does Chapter 13 bankruptcy actually do for someone in Lake Charles?
Chapter 13 bankruptcy lets Lake Charles residents keep their property while repaying debts through a structured plan confirmed by the federal bankruptcy court. Instead of surrendering assets, you propose a repayment plan — typically three to five years — based on your disposable income. It can stop a foreclosure on your home, prevent a car from being repossessed, and put an immediate halt to creditor calls and lawsuits through the automatic stay. People with a steady paycheck who've fallen behind due to medical bills, job loss, or unexpected expenses often find Chapter 13 gives them a workable structure that Chapter 7 doesn't. Gerald J. Casey handles the filing, plan preparation, and trustee communications so clients understand each stage of the process.
- Stops foreclosure on your Lake Charles home and allows you to catch up on mortgage arrears through the repayment plan
- Halts wage garnishments and creditor lawsuits via the automatic stay upon filing
- Lets you keep secured property — car, home, personal belongings — that Chapter 7 might require surrendering
- Repayment plan length is three years if your income is below the Louisiana median, five years if above
- Certain unsecured debts may be discharged at the end of the plan if you complete all required payments
- Filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Louisiana, which serves Calcasieu Parish
What to expect
Your chapter 13 bankruptcy visit, step by step
Initial Consultation
You meet with Gerald J. Casey to review your income, debts, and property so he can assess whether Chapter 13 is the right fit for your situation.
Plan Preparation and Filing
Casey prepares your petition, schedules, and proposed repayment plan, then files everything with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Louisiana.
Automatic Stay Takes Effect
The moment your case is filed, the automatic stay goes into effect — stopping foreclosures, repossessions, wage garnishments, and most creditor contact immediately.
Plan Confirmation and Repayment
A trustee reviews your plan at a meeting of creditors, and once the court confirms it, you make monthly payments to the trustee for the duration of the plan.
FAQ
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Lake Charles — common questions
What disqualifies you from filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Lake Charles?
Chapter 13 has debt limits set by federal law — your secured and unsecured debts must fall below specific thresholds that adjust periodically, and exceeding them disqualifies you from Chapter 13. You also must have filed required tax returns and cannot have had a prior bankruptcy dismissed within the last 180 days for certain reasons. An attorney can review your specific debt totals and filing history to determine eligibility.
What is the average Chapter 13 monthly payment?
Chapter 13 monthly payments vary based on your disposable income, the types and amounts of debt you owe, and what property you're trying to protect — there is no single average that applies to everyone. The plan must pay unsecured creditors at least as much as they'd receive in a Chapter 7 liquidation, and secured creditors like mortgage lenders must receive the full arrearage. A bankruptcy attorney can calculate a realistic payment range based on your actual income and expenses.
Can I get a cell phone while in Chapter 13 bankruptcy?
Generally, obtaining new credit or entering new financial obligations while in Chapter 13 requires trustee approval, though routine necessities like a basic cell phone service contract are often handled differently than major credit purchases. The rules depend on the terms of your confirmed plan and your trustee's practices in the Western District of Louisiana. This is something to discuss directly with your attorney before signing any new service agreement.
Do they freeze your bank account when you file Chapter 13?
Filing Chapter 13 does not automatically freeze your bank account — the automatic stay stops creditors from collecting, but your account generally remains accessible to you. However, if you owe money to the bank where your account is held, that institution may have the right to set off funds in some circumstances. Your attorney can advise you on how to handle accounts at banks where you carry debt before you file.
How is Gerald J. Casey different from other bankruptcy attorneys in Lake Charles?
Gerald J. Casey's practice focuses on bankruptcy law, including Chapter 13 cases for individuals and families in Calcasieu Parish and the surrounding area. His office is located in Lake Charles, so he works directly within the Western District of Louisiana court system that handles local filings. Choosing a local attorney who focuses on bankruptcy means your case isn't being handled as an afterthought alongside unrelated practice areas.
Serving Lake Charles
More services & nearby areas
Gerald J. Casey's office is based in Lake Charles, which means he handles cases in the Western District of Louisiana bankruptcy court — the same court that Lake Charles filers appear in. Clients from Sulphur Road to the Country Club neighborhood don't have to travel far and deal with an attorney unfamiliar with local trustees and procedures. His practice focuses on bankruptcy, so Chapter 13 cases aren't a sideline.
Visit us
Hours & location
| Monday | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Ready for chapter 13 bankruptcy in Lake Charles?
Casey Law offers a free initial consultation — no obligation, no pressure. Call 337-474-5005 or send a message to set up a time Monday through Thursday.
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