Lowell Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Lawyer
At the Law Office of Louis S. Haskell, we help Massachusetts families explore Chapter 13 bankruptcy, protect what matters most, and build a manageable path toward financial stability.
Debt problems don’t always mean that you need to give up your home, car, or other property.
For some Massachusetts families, Chapter 13 bankruptcy provides a structured way to address debt while keeping important assets and catching up on payments over time.
At the Law Office of Louis S. Haskell, we have helped individuals and families navigate bankruptcy for decades. From our office in Lowell, we assist clients throughout the Merrimack Valley and communities across Massachusetts, including Chelmsford, Dracut, Tewksbury, and Billerica.
You do not need to know whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is right for you before calling us. Start by telling us what is happening.
What could Chapter 13 do for you?
Stop Foreclosure
Chapter 13 can generally stop a pending foreclosure and provide time to address missed mortgage payments.
Catch Up on Missed Mortgage Payments
Past-due mortgage payments may be spread over the Chapter 13 repayment period.
Protect Valuable Property
Chapter 13 may allow you to keep property that could otherwise create problems in Chapter 7.
Reorganize Your Debt
A court-supervised plan can provide a structured way to manage multiple financial obligations.
Can Chapter 13 stop foreclosure in Massachusetts?
Chapter 13 is commonly used by homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgages.
Filing bankruptcy generally creates an automatic stay, which can stop a pending foreclosure. Chapter 13 may then allow you to catch up on past-due mortgage payments over time.
If a foreclosure sale is approaching, timing is especially important.
Can Chapter 13 help with a second mortgage?
In some circumstances, a junior mortgage or home equity loan may receive different treatment when there is not enough property value to secure it. Whether this is available depends on your home's value, mortgage balances, and other circumstances.
Can Chapter 13 reduce certain secured debts?
Chapter 13 may sometimes allow certain secured debts to be adjusted based on the value of the collateral. This is commonly called a cramdown.
Special rules and restrictions apply, so eligibility depends on the particular debt and property involved.
How does a Chapter 13 repayment plan work?
Most Chapter 13 plans last three to five years.
Your payment depends primarily on:
Income and necessary expenses
Types and amounts of debt
Mortgage or vehicle arrears
Property and available exemptions
Disposable income
The Chapter 13 trustee distributes your plan payments to creditors according to the approved plan.
There is no standard Chapter 13 monthly payment. Each plan is based on the person's individual financial situation.
Protecting Property With Equity
Free Consultation
The initial consultation for bankruptcy cases is free
Frequently asked questions
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Sometimes people qualify for Chapter 7 but have too much equity in property to fully protect it.
In those cases, Chapter 13 allows you to:
• Keep the property
• Pay creditors the value of non-exempt equity over time
• Avoid forced liquidation
Massachusetts allows a homestead exemption of up to $500,000 and in some cases $1,000,000, protecting significant home equity.
Client Reviews
Darren Plotnick
Attorney Haskell has been my attorney for the past decade and the service I have received has been extraordinary. The staff is super helpful and Attorney Haskell is always prompt with a response to any issues I have.
Michelle Bordonada
Attorney Haskell and the team were so good to me! I’am truly satisfied with my experience. They fought a big lawsuit for me that I never expected. I received more than I expected! They were so supportive throughout my recovery. Such amazing and a respectful team. I am beyond grateful for them. I recommend anyone here. You won’t regret it! :)