I am not an attorney, but I prepare bk petitions. I don't know the law in California, but here you can file CH 7 if you own property depending on the amount of equity you have built up. CH 13 is usually for those who are about to lose property in foreclosure and/or lose a car to repossession. CH 13 is a repayment plan of all your debts. You can repay your debts monthly for up to 5 years, depending on the plan your attorney works out for you. It is based on your disposable income. But, you are paying your monthly bankruptcy payment to the trustee, plus you have to keep all of your monthly payments current to the creditors that you filed against.
CH 7 is bk that you do not repay your creditors. Usually those with simple credit card debt and other unsecured creditors choose this plan.
The laws are soon to change though. Especially where CH 7 is concerned. So, contact an attorney in your area. Most will gladly explain the different plans to you for free over the phone. You need sound legal advise concerning this matter and only an attorney who specializes in bankruptcy can guide you through this process.
Good luck.
Hi I have a couple of questions