13's in W. Washington, old law, please respond

[EndInSight]

Being very close to completing a 5 year plan, I have several questions and hope anyone in W.WA will respond.

Inflation has been hard on everyone, especially those of us trying to get to the end of their BK plan, be it 36 or 60 months. I don't know how anyone has managed to finish their plan w/o adding income to adjust and still pay off their plans, especially those on fixed incomes.

Prices on gas and food here in W.WA have risen so much that I have been tempted to resort to standing out there with BIG "Please help me sign"
Milk alone, for brand name half gallon 1% has gone up by ONE DOLLAR. Off brand skim was $1 less. Better for health although the color and taste sure is odd, so I just drink fast w/closed eyes
Gas prices are well over $3.50 and diesel is $4.00+ in some areas

What happens when the last payment is made? Does your attorney contact you or does the trustee? Do you keep making payments until you hear from someone?

My payment went up $40 after I emailed the trustee's office about the balance being more than my total payment(s) for completing the 60 months. I don't remember what caused the shortage.....maybe because my attorney HAD to do something extra and charged me dearly for the small detail he had over looked in the 1st place. I was happy to pay more even though it hasn't been easy.

Well it is what it is. I just would like to know what others have experienced under the old law.

Thanks in advance and "hats off to all of us" that have been or are still under someone's thumb!
We are survivors and better off for the experience, no matter what caused it to happen.

Miss Posh

[lrprn]

Being very close to completing a 5 year plan, I have several questions and hope anyone in W.WA will respond.

Congrats on surviving, EIS - quite a feat given the terrible economy the last few years.

What happens when the last payment is made? Does your attorney contact you or does the trustee? Do you keep making payments until you hear from someone?

You keep making payments until you hear from the trustee. Most Ch 13 filers will ask their lawyer to check with the trustee 1-2 months before they think they will be done to see if there are any unexpected increases or extra payments coming.

After the trustee completes his/her audit to ensure everyone received the money they should have, your case will be discharged and you'll be notified by mail (and it will also to posted to PACER if you have an account there). If you've paid in any extra to your plan, it will be refunded to you when your case is discharged.

[EndInSight]

"You keep making payments until you hear from the trustee. Most Ch 13 filers will ask their lawyer to check with the trustee 1-2 months before they think they will be done to see if there are any unexpected increases or extra payments coming." ??

Thanks for the reply, Irprn.

It's odd that after 3/5 years one is expected to keep paying, especially considering the state of the economy.
I realize that what isn't needed is returned, I would imagine, without interest. I wonder how long the paying more goes on.......

Boy when they've one by the short hairs (so to speak), they've got you.

Well I guess I will be calling the attorney soon.

Thanks again,

Miss Posh

[Flamingo]

I know it seems like it takes forever....when your Trustee's office receives your last payment, the Trustee audits your Chapter 13 plan and sends out final payments and notification to all creditors; there is a document that each creditor in your filing has to sign and return to the Trustee that they have been paid in full for the amount due them under your plan. This is all supposed to occur within a 90 day period but it can go longer. As lrprn stated, it is a good idea to contact your attorney when you send that last payment to alert him/her that it has gone out and he/she can give you any further instructions that you may need as to what to expect, do, etc. Congrats on completing your Plan! I know it has been a long hard road and, as you state, with the rising prices makes it much more difficult to make ends meet.