How Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Stops Foreclosure: Your Path to Saving Your Home

Are you behind on your mortgage payments? Have you started receiving threatening letters from lawyers and investors warning that your house may be heading for foreclosure? If you're facing this stressful situation, you're not alone—and you do have options.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy stops foreclosure and provides a legal pathway to regain control of your financial situation. This powerful debt reorganization tool has helped countless homeowners in Fort Worth, Keller, Arlington, and throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex save their homes from foreclosure.

Understanding Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is fundamentally different from Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Rather than liquidating assets, Chapter 13 allows you to reorganize your past-due debts and pay them out over a manageable three to five-year period. The length of your repayment plan depends on your household income, making it a flexible solution tailored to your specific financial circumstances.

This type of bankruptcy is particularly effective for homeowners because it addresses the root cause of foreclosure: falling behind on mortgage payments while dealing with overwhelming debt.

The Automatic Stay: Your Immediate Protection

When you file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, federal law immediately kicks in to protect you. Under 11 USC Section 362, creditors are legally prevented from moving forward with foreclosure proceedings. This protection, known as the "automatic stay," goes into effect the moment your bankruptcy petition is filed.

Even if you're filing a second bankruptcy, you're still protected for the first 30 days. During this time, your attorney can seek a motion to extend the automatic stay, ensuring you remain protected throughout the entire life of your bankruptcy case.

Why Chapter 13 Works for Foreclosure Prevention

Chapter 13 bankruptcy stops foreclosure by giving you the legal framework to:

  • Halt foreclosure proceedings immediately through the automatic stay
  • Catch up on missed mortgage payments over time through your repayment plan
  • Reduce or eliminate other debts that may be preventing you from making your mortgage payments
  • Keep your home while getting back on track financially

This reorganization approach is particularly valuable because it doesn't just stop foreclosure temporarily—it provides a sustainable long-term solution for keeping your home.

Local Expertise Matters

Navigating bankruptcy law requires experienced legal guidance, especially when your home is at stake. Wegner Law Firm specializes in helping people file Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Fort Worth, Keller, Arlington, and surrounding communities. Our deep understanding of local court procedures and relationships with trustees in the area can make a significant difference in the success of your case.

Taking Action Before It's Too Late

If you're receiving foreclosure notices, time is critical. The sooner you act, the more options you'll have available. Chapter 13 bankruptcy can be an effective tool to stop foreclosure, but it works best when implemented before the foreclosure process has progressed too far.

Don't let fear or uncertainty prevent you from exploring your options. A consultation with an experienced bankruptcy attorney can help you understand whether Chapter 13 is right for your situation and how it might help you save your home.


If you're facing foreclosure in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, contact Wegner Law Firm to discuss how Chapter 13 bankruptcy might help protect your home and your family's future.