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You're likely wondering if you can get a payday loan while in Chapter 13 bankruptcy. The answer is a bit complicated.
Typically, payday lenders require you to have a steady income and a bank account to qualify for a loan. However, Chapter 13 bankruptcy involves a court-supervised repayment plan, which may make it difficult to qualify for a payday loan.
In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you're required to make regular payments to your creditors, including your bankruptcy trustee. This can affect your credit score and make it harder to qualify for a payday loan.
If you're in Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you may still be able to get a payday loan, but it's essential to understand that the terms may be unfavorable.
Can You Get a Payday Loan While in Chapter 13?
You can get a payday loan while in Chapter 13, but it's not a straightforward process. Most payday loan lending companies don't focus on your financial situation, so you might qualify if you don't disclose your bankruptcy status.
However, as a debtor in Chapter 13, you shouldn't incur new debt without the court's approval. Failing to notify the court or seek approval to incur new debt can put your case at risk of dismissal.
You'll need to file a motion with the bankruptcy court to incur debt, which can be a complex and time-consuming process. The Chapter 13 trustee and your creditors may object to your request, so it's essential to have a valid reason for the debt and a solid debt repayment plan.
It's unlikely that a court will allow you to take on a new debt, including a payday loan, while in bankruptcy.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy and Payday Loans
You can file personal bankruptcy on payday loans, and they may be discharged in bankruptcy as any other unsecured debt. Payday loans are treated a lot like credit cards in bankruptcy in that they are dischargeable.
However, if you're in Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you should not incur new debt without the court approving it. You should file a motion with the bankruptcy court to incur debt if you're considering taking on a new loan, including a payday loan.
Most people prefer payday loans because they are easily accessible, but as a debtor in Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you should be careful. Payday loan lending companies may not focus on your financial situation, but the Chapter 13 trustee assigned to your case may object to you incurring a new debt.
You should ensure you have a valid reason to incur the debt and have a solid debt repayment plan that will not affect your Chapter 13 payments. If you don't disclose you are in Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you might qualify for a payday loan, but this can put your case at risk of dismissal.
Most payday loans are unsecured, and thus, are dischargeable under Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy. However, it's essential to consult a bankruptcy attorney if you took a payday loan after filing for bankruptcy.
Filing for Bankruptcy
Filing for bankruptcy can be a complex and overwhelming process, but it's worth considering if you're struggling with debt. If you don't qualify for Chapter 7, you may file Chapter 13 to make a repayment plan over a period of 3 to 5 years.
During this time, you'll make monthly payments to a Chapter 13 trustee who will disburse funds to your creditors, including payday lenders. This can provide much-needed relief from creditor harassment.
Once you complete the plan, you'll obtain a Chapter 13 discharge of the payday loan, which means the debt will be wiped clean.
Waiting Period for Filing
You can't file for bankruptcy just because you want to get out of paying debts. It wouldn't be fair to take on new debt knowing you won't make an honest effort to repay it.
Filers can't discharge debts taken on right before they file, which is why it's essential to plan ahead.
Cash advances taken out within 70 days of filing may create a red flag, so it's crucial to avoid them.
There are also prohibitions for luxury purchases, so it's best to avoid making any unnecessary purchases before filing.
Alabama Financial Reorganization Attorneys
Filing for bankruptcy can be a complex and time-consuming process, especially in Alabama where Chapter 13 cases can take 3-5 years to be resolved.
You may experience emergencies that require you to obtain consumer credit or a loan during this time, such as needing to replace a broken-down car to get to work.
In some cases, a debtor may need to accumulate more debt while the Chapter 13 case is ongoing.
To borrow while in bankruptcy, a debtor must get permission from the administrator or trustee, either informally or by filing a motion to incur debt.
Our Alabama lawyers at Grainger Hawley & Shinbaum, LLC can guide individuals through the bankruptcy process and carefully explain their rights and options.
Filing for Bankruptcy
Filing for bankruptcy can be a complex process, but it's essential to understand your options. If you don't qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you may be able to file Chapter 13 to make a repayment plan over a period of 3 to 5 years.
The Chapter 13 plan will provide for monthly payments to a Chapter 13 trustee who disburses funds every month to your creditors, including payday lenders. During this time, the payday lender may not attempt to collect its debt or initiate court proceedings.
Once you've completed the 3-5 year plan, you'll obtain a Chapter 13 discharge of the payday loan, effectively wiping out the debt. This can be a huge relief for those struggling with overwhelming financial obligations.
Sources
- https://www.graingerlegal.com/chapter-13-bankruptcy/can-i-borrow-while-bankruptcy/
- https://www.keithfcarr.net/payday-loan-grind/
- https://www.therollinsfirm.com/can-payday-loans-be-included-in-bankruptcy/
- https://www.deluca-associates.com/pay-day-loans-and-bankruptcies-3-things-you-need-to-know/
- https://www.thebankruptcyhelp.com/post/can-you-get-a-payday-loan-in-chapter-13-bankruptcy
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