{"id":286919,"date":"2016-04-04T10:41:50","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:41:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/bankruptcy\/chapter-13\/chapter-13-repayment-plan-and-confirmation-hearing.html"},"modified":"2026-07-23T10:46:13","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T15:46:13","slug":"chapter-13-repayment-plan-and-confirmation-hearing","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/chapter-13\/chapter-13-repayment-plan-and-confirmation-hearing.html","title":{"rendered":"What Is a Chapter 13 Confirmation Hearing? What To Expect"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Is a Chapter 13 Confirmation Hearing? What To Expect<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

A Chapter 13 <\/span>confirmation hearing<\/span> is a mandatory bankruptcy court<\/span> proceeding where a judge reviews your proposed repayment plan<\/span> to determine if it meets legal code requirements and is feasible. If the judge approves the three-to-five-year budget, the plan becomes a binding order. Otherwise, the debtor must file an amended plan or face dismissal of the case.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

A Chapter 13 <\/span>confirmation hearing<\/span> is when a bankruptcy judge<\/span> reviews your repayment plan<\/span> and decides whether to approve it. By law, this hearing happens between 20 and 45 days after your 341 meeting of creditors<\/span>. If your plan is approved, you will make payments for three to five years. If not, you can change your plan and try again.<\/p>\n

Filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy<\/span> involves many steps, with one of the most important being the confirmation hearing<\/span>. This is where a judge decides whether your repayment plan<\/span> is sound and workable. Understanding what happens at this hearing and how to prepare can help make a difference in your case.<\/p>\n

If you are considering Chapter 13 bankruptcy<\/span>, a\u00a0bankruptcy attorney<\/span><\/a>\u00a0can review the circumstances surrounding your case, advise you on your options, and represent you at the hearing.<\/p>\n

Where the Confirmation Hearing<\/span> Fits in the Chapter 13 Process<\/h2>\n

Under 11 U.S.C<\/span>. \u00a7 1324<\/a>, the confirmation hearing<\/span> must be scheduled between 20 and 45 days after the 341 meeting of creditors<\/span>. The actual timing can vary depending on the court and local rules, but for every Chapter 13 case<\/span>, a confirmation hearing<\/span> is mandatory.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The level of court involvement can differ from one district to another. For instance, in the\u00a0Western District of Texas<\/a>, the Court excuses the debtor and attorney from attending the confirmation hearing<\/span> if they did not file objections or the trustee recommended confirmation. In contrast, in the\u00a0District of Colorado<\/a>, at least one judge’s procedures require the debtor to appear in person. Due to these varying rules, it is best to check your local bankruptcy court<\/span>\u2019s rules or ask a bankruptcy lawyer<\/span><\/a> what to expect.<\/p>\n

What Happens at the 341 Meeting of Creditors<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

Before the confirmation hearing<\/span>, you\u2019ll attend the\u00a0341 meeting of creditors<\/span><\/a>, which is conducted by a trustee, rather than a judge. You\u2019ll answer questions under oath regarding your bankruptcy paperwork, finances, and proposed plan<\/span>. Creditors can also attend and ask questions.\u00a0<\/p>\n

What happens at this meeting can affect your confirmation hearing<\/span>. The trustee may point out concerns and try to resolve them informally. If creditors or the trustee want to formally object to your plan, they must file written objections\u00a0at least seven days before<\/a> the confirmation hearing<\/span>.\u00a0The court will address any remaining objections at or before the confirmation.<\/p>\n

What Is the Chapter 13 <\/span>Repayment Plan<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

A Chapter 13 <\/span>repayment plan<\/span> is a budget you submit soon after your case begins. It sets\u00a0a fixed payment amount you will make to the bankruptcy trustee<\/span>\u00a0over\u00a0three to five years<\/a>. The Chapter 13 trustee<\/span> uses your payments to pay priority debts in full, handle secured debts<\/span>, and distribute any remaining disposable income<\/span> to unsecured creditors<\/span>, who must get at least as much as they would in a Chapter 7 <\/span>bankruptcy<\/span> case<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Your debt <\/span>repayment<\/span> plan<\/span> should be specific; it should include details such as:<\/p>\n