Dorothy Bunce, A Fresh Start Law, Las Vegas Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Lawyer.
Are you struggling with overwhelming debt in Clark County, Las Vegas, Henderson, or anywhere in southern Nevada? At A Fresh Start Law, led by experienced attorney Dorothy Bunce, we focus exclusively on helping people solve debt problems β from credit cards and medical bills to foreclosure, tax debt, judgments, and business obligations. With more than 35 years of experience and over 30,000 debt-related questions answered online, Dorothy has earned a reputation as one of Nevadaβs most trusted bankruptcy and debt relief lawyers.
β¨ Whether your best option is Chapter 7 bankruptcy, Chapter 13 bankruptcy, debt settlement, or another strategy, our goal is always the same: to give you relief, protect what matters most, and help you move forward with confidence.
π Call us today at (702) 551-3256 for your free consultation or request a same-day callback.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy β Las Vegas, NV
π‘ Reduce & Reorganize Your Debt with One Affordable Monthly Payment.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is more complicated than Chapter 7, but for many people it’s the right solution, especially if Chapter 7 isn’t an option. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy protects all your property, stops creditor harassment, and allows you to repay some or all of your debts in a structured manner β often with reduced or no interest.
At A Fresh Start Law, Las Vegas attorney Dorothy Bunce has decades of experience guiding clients through Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. She’ll explain the benefits and risks clearly so you can decide whether it’s the right fit for you.
π How Chapter 13 Works.
Unlike Chapter 7, where debts are wiped out quickly, Chapter 13 involves you and your Attorney creating a payment plan that lasts 3 to 5 years. During this time, you’ll make monthly payments to a court-appointed Trustee. The payments may start small and increase over time, or remain the same throughout the Plan’s term. If you sustain a reduced income, your Plan payments may even decrease. The goal of your Plan will determine what your payments must pay, and therefore, what the payment will cost.
β This repayment plan helps you catch up on overdue debts while staying protected from lawsuits, garnishments, and collection calls.
β For some people, the long-term protection of the Bankruptcy Court is a significant benefit.
π Problems Chapter 13 Solves.
Chapter 13 can achieve things that Chapter 7 cannot. For example,
π Stops Foreclosure β Catch up on your delinquent mortgage payments and keep your home.
π§ΎHandle Tax Debts β Repay IRS or state tax debt over time, while stopping scary seizures and collection actions.
πDeal with Divorce-Related Debts β Repay obligations for alimony, child support, affordably. Plus, it may be possible to resolve a marital property division.
βοΈProtect Yourself from Harsh Legal Actions β For example, if you owe court-ordered restitution, Chapter 13 can let you pay what you can afford.
π³Consolidate Debts at 0% or Very Low Interest β Make one payment while eliminating most future interest or penalty costs.
π When Chapter 13 Might Be Your Only Choice.
You may need Chapter 13 if:
π« You don’t qualify for Chapter 7 due to income, disposable income, or a recent bankruptcy discharge.
π You own valuable property that the Chapter 7 exemption laws don’t protect.
π You’ve made financial mistakes that could harm loved ones under Chapter 7.
Dorothy will always encourage you to carefully weigh the impact before committing β because Chapter 13 is a serious, long-term commitment.
π Reasons People Choose Chapter 13
β¨ Manage Debts That Chapter 7 Can’t Eliminate β Such as child support, alimony, taxes, or student loans. Instead of being obligated to make overwhelming amounts, you propose to repay these debts in manageable monthly installments.
β¨ Stop Foreclosure & Repossession β Resume your monthly payments and catch up on what you owe over (up to) 60 months.
β¨ End Harassment β Stop calls, texts, lawsuits, and wage garnishments from creditors for the duration of your case.
β¨ Affordable Repayments β Pay what your budget allows, often at 0% interest, with the possibility of discharging leftover balances after your Plan is completed.
β¨ Flexibility β If your finances change, you can dismiss your Chapter 13 case or convert it to Chapter 7.
β¨ Protect Valuable Assets β Keep your business, investments, or even out-of-state property that you might lose in Chapter 7.
π Who Should Consider Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?
People who file Chapter 13 often have:
πΌ Steady income that allows partial repayment.
π‘ Assets they want to protect (homes, cars, businesses, investments) that aren’t covered by available exemption laws.
π Higher income or debts that don’t fit Chapter 7 eligibility.
And just like in Chapter 7, the automatic stay goes into effect immediately when you file β stopping creditors from suing, garnishing wages, or seizing assets.
π Why Work with Dorothy Bunce?
π©ββοΈ Over 35 years of bankruptcy experience, including cases dating back to the late 1970s.
π¬ More than 30,000 questions answered on Avvo, helping people nationwide understand their debt options.
π€ A reputation for being approachable, knowledgeable, and committed to guiding clients through tough financial decisions with compassion.
β¨ You don’t have to face this alone. If Chapter 7 isn’t right for you, Chapter 13 may give you the breathing room and protection you need.
π Call A Fresh Start Law today to schedule a consultation with Attorney Dorothy Bunce and explore whether Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is your path to lasting financial relief.
π€ Chapter 13 Bankruptcy β Frequently Asked Questions
π° What if I miss a Chapter 13 payment?
Life happens β and sometimes people miss a payment. If that happens, the Trustee or Court could dismiss your case, but Dorothy can often step in to help you get back on track. Communication is key. The sooner you let us know, the more options we have to fix it.
π Can I still keep my home and car?
Yes, in most cases! Chapter 13 is specifically designed to help people catch up on overdue mortgage or car payments while protecting these assets. As long as you can keep up with future payments, Chapter 13 is often the best way to save your home or car.
β³ How long does Chapter 13 take?
Most Chapter 13 repayment Plans last 3 to 5 years. While this may sound like a long time, you’ll have the Court’s protection from creditors throughout the process β giving you peace of mind and stability while you pay off what you can afford.
π³ Can I still use credit while in Chapter 13?
Generally, you can’t take on new credit without Court approval during your Plan. But the good news is that once you complete your Chapter 13, you’ll be in a better position to rebuild your credit the right way.
π Can I pay off my Plan early?
Sometimes, yes! If your financial situation improves, you can pay off your debts sooner. Dorothy will explain the rules and help you understand whether early payoff is an option in your specific case.
βοΈ What debts does Chapter 13 cover?
Chapter 13 helps with:
- π Mortgage arrears and car loans.
- π§Ύ IRS and state tax debts.
- πΌ Child support and alimony (paid through your Plan, but not discharged).
- π³π₯ Credit cards and medical bills.
- π‘ Some debts that Chapter 7 won’t wipe out due to federal law.
β¨ What happens if my financial situation changes?
One of the biggest advantages of Chapter 13 is flexibility. If you lose income or your circumstances change, you can modify your Plan, convert to Chapter 7, or even dismiss your case and try a different approach.
π Take the First Step Toward a Fresh Start
At A Fresh Start Law, solving debt problems isn’t just part of what we do β it’s our only business. Attorney Dorothy Bunce has over 35 years of experience helping Nevadans like you escape overwhelming debt and rebuild their lives with dignity.
β¨ Whether your challenge is credit cards, medical bills, business debts, judgments, foreclosure, or even tax problems, there is a solution. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.
β Why Choose A Fresh Start Law?
- π©ββοΈ Experienced Las Vegas bankruptcy & debt attorney since 1979
- π¬ Answered more than 30,000 debt questions online β proving Dorothy’s dedication to clear, helpful advice
- π€ Compassionate, judgment-free guidance tailored to your unique situation
- π Same-day callbacks and free initial consultations
π² Ready for Relief?
π Call us today at (702) 551-3256
π¬ Or request a same-day callback from our team
ποΈ Schedule a free, confidential consultation with Attorney Dorothy Bunce
β¨ You Deserve a Fresh Start β Let’s make it happen together.