chpt 13 payment amount

[kwnancy]

The paperwork from our lawyer shows a monthly payment of $512.60 per month for 36 months. We have our trustee meeting on Monday, Oct 17th. Our meeting is in Miami - a four hour drive for us here in Key West. Our file date was August 29th and we've already sent our first payment to the trustee (it was due on Sept 29th). We've also completed all the paperwork for the payment to be payroll deducted from my husband's paycheck, this hasn't happed yet.

My questions:

1. Can this payment amount change? What (or who) would cause it to change?

2. Can the 36 months be extended to a 60 month plan or is the 36 month a definite time period? I just have visions of us making this payment for three years and someone extending it after that time period.

I guess both my questions are trying to nail down some certainties -- how much and for how long.

This board's postings have been extremely helpful and informative. Thanks to all!

[HHM]

1. Technically yes, the persons who can change it are you (the debtors) or the trustee. The trustee would need to have cause to change the payment amount, i.e. by challenging your expenses.

2. Yes, but again, it would have to be for cause.

You will have a better idea if you have a good plan at the 341 meeting based on what the trustee says.