Understanding Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: What Ohio Residents Need to Know

March 28, 2023

Understanding Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: What Ohio Residents Need to Know


Declaring bankruptcy can be an intimidating decision that affects many aspects of your life. At Roderick Linton Belfance, LLP, we understand the challenges that come with this process, which is why we're committed to assisting Ohio residents who need to file for bankruptcy. In this blog post, we'll discuss chapter 13 bankruptcy and how it can help individuals and families struggling with debt. We'll also answer common questions such as whether filing for chapter 13 bankruptcy will affect your job status. Keep reading to discover the benefits of this type of bankruptcy and how we can help you through the process.


Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a type of bankruptcy that allows individuals to restructure their finances and pay off their debts over time. This option may be ideal for those who earn a steady income and want to keep their assets, such as their home or vehicle. Under chapter 13 bankruptcy, debtors are required to create a repayment plan that details how their debts will be paid off in full over the course of 3-5 years. The amount of the monthly payment is determined by several factors, including the debtor's income, expenses, and other financial obligations.


One of the benefits of chapter 13 bankruptcy is that it can help you keep your assets and avoid foreclosure or repossession. If you're struggling to make mortgage or car payments, chapter 13 bankruptcy may provide relief by restructuring your debts and allowing you to catch up on missed payments. Additionally, chapter 13 bankruptcy may help you discharge some types of debt, such as credit card debt or medical bills. While you'll still have to pay off your secured debts (such as mortgage or car loans), chapter 13 bankruptcy can make it easier to manage your debts and regain financial stability.


If you're considering filing for chapter 13 bankruptcy, you may be wondering whether this decision will affect your job status. In general, filing for bankruptcy cannot be used as grounds to terminate an employee. However, certain jobs may require security clearance or a credit check, and filing for bankruptcy may affect your eligibility for these positions. It's important to speak with an experienced bankruptcy attorney who can advise you on your specific situation and any potential implications of filing for chapter 13 bankruptcy.


At Roderick Linton Belfance, LLP, we have extensive experience assisting Ohio residents with bankruptcy matters, including chapter 13 bankruptcy. Our team of attorneys can guide you through the process, help you create a repayment plan, and negotiate with your creditors on your behalf. We understand that filing for bankruptcy can be a stressful and complex process, but we're here to help you every step of the way.


Chapter 13 bankruptcy can be a valuable tool for individuals and families who are struggling with debt and want to regain financial stability. This type of bankruptcy allows debtors to restructure their debts and create a repayment plan that fits their budget and financial situation. At Roderick Linton Belfance, LLP, we're dedicated to helping Ohio residents navigate the bankruptcy process and find a solution that works for them. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can assist you with your bankruptcy needs.

By Aj rlbllp.com November 17, 2025
Resolving Disputes Efficiently: How Mediation and Arbitration Benefit You Disputes, whether in business, family, or civil matters, can be stressful, time-consuming, and costly. At Roderick Linton Belfance, we proudly have a team of former judges who lead our mediation and arbitration group. We understand the importance of resolving conflicts efficiently and equitably. Increasingly, clients are turning to mediation and arbitration to settle legal matters. Our unique blend of judicial knowledge and practical legal insight positions us to guide clients through these processes, ensuring their interests are protected while saving time and resources. Why Choose Mediation and Arbitration? Traditional litigation is sometimes necessary, but it is not always the best path for every dispute. Court cases can drag on for months or even years, leading to mounting legal fees and emotional fatigue. Mediation and arbitration offer alternatives that are often more flexible, private, and expedient. At Roderick Linton Belfance, our three former judges bring a wealth of knowledge in this area. Their backgrounds presiding over a wide range of cases give them an unparalleled understanding of legal complexities and dispute dynamics. As mediators, they facilitate constructive dialogue, helping parties reach mutually agreeable solutions. As arbitrators, they apply their judicial expertise to deliver impartial decisions based on the facts and evidence presented. Clients benefit from our former judges as they are adept at identifying the core issues in a dispute, anticipating potential roadblocks, and encouraging productive negotiation. Their reputations for fairness and authority often foster trust and cooperation among all parties involved. Mediation: Collaboration Over Confrontation Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process where a neutral third party helps adverse parties find common ground. Unlike a judge or arbitrator, the mediator does not impose a solution; instead, they guide the conversation and help generate creative outcomes for settlement. Mediation can be especially effective in family law, employment disputes, and business disagreements, where preserving relationships is important. Arbitration: Efficient and Binding Decisions When parties need a binding resolution but wish to avoid the rigidity and publicity of court, arbitration offers a compelling alternative. In arbitration, an impartial arbitrator, often a former or retired judge, considers the evidence and arguments before rendering a decision. This process is typically faster and less formal than court litigation. Our former judges are frequently called upon as arbitrators due to their deep legal knowledge and reputation for impartiality. For clients, arbitration can mean a quicker, more predictable outcome with less disruption to their personal or business lives. At Roderick Linton Belfance, we are committed to helping clients resolve disputes cost-effectively, efficiently, and with dignity. Leveraging the wisdom of our three former judges, we tailor our strategies to each client’s unique situation. Whether through mediation, arbitration, or a combination of both, our goal is to secure the best possible outcome while reducing the stress and expense of traditional litigation. If you are facing a legal dispute, consider the advantages of mediation and arbitration. With the guidance of one of our attorneys and the insight of our former judges, you can move forward with confidence, knowing that your interests are in capable hands. Call us at 330-434-3000 today.
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