chapter 13 bankruptcy Archives

An overhead photo of an IRS notice and a bankruptcy petition form resting on a wooden desk alongside a legal gavel, a pen, and a law book. This image illustrates a potential legal strategy where tax payments reduce disposable income to help a debtor qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection, as detailed on bankruptcy.blog.

Prof. Hernandez: Using Tax Installment Agreements to Qualify for Chapter 7

Can’t pass the Means Test? Prof. Hernandez explains how IRS tax payments can legally reduce disposable income on Schedule J to help you qualify for Chapter 7.

A "Going Out of Business" sign on a retail storefront illustrating the 2026 surge in small business Chapter 7 filings due to tariff inflation, as analyzed by Bankruptcy Attorney & Law Professor Hernandez on Bankruptcy.blog.

Insights & Analysis

Alexander Hernandez 6 min read

Small Business Tariff Inflation and Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in 2026. The Quiet Crisis

Is tariff inflation pushing your small business toward Chapter 7? Prof. Hernandez explains how to bypass the Means Test using the non-consumer debt loophole and navigate personal liability in the 2026 bankruptcy surge.

A minimalist illustration depicting a "tug-of-war" between economic forces. A black silhouette of a person pulls a rope; on the left side of the rope is the word "TARIFFS" and on the right is "CHAPTER 13 BANKRUPTCY." The image symbolizes the strain of rising costs on consumer debt reorganization plans on Bankruptcy.blog.

Insights & Analysis

Alexander Hernandez 4 min read

How the 2026 Tariffs Affect Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Plans

Discover why 2026 tariff inflation is causing a spike in Chapter 13 plan failures. Prof. Hernandez analyzes the friction between static court budgets and rising costs.

A conceptual illustration of a person caught in a tug-of-war between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, representing the bankruptcy means test gap caused by 2026 tariff inflation. Analysis featured on Bankruptcy.blog.

Insights & Analysis

Alexander Hernandez 4 min read

Tariff Inflation and the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Means Test Gap

Analyze how 2026 tariff inflation is breaking the Bankruptcy Means Test. Learn why the IRS data lag creates a “Paper Surplus” that blocks Chapter 7 relief.

Bankruptcy

Alexander Hernandez 4 min read

Using Your Tax Refund to Hire a Bankruptcy Attorney: A Strategic Guide

Using your tax refund for bankruptcy attorney fees is a strategic “spend down.” Prof. Hernandez explains how this protects your refund and secures your filing.

Bankruptcy

Alexander Hernandez 5 min read

Strategic Dismissal: Plan B When Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Conversion Fails

Strategic Dismissal: Negotiating with Creditors Outside of Bankruptcy with Prof. Hernandez. Explore how to pivot from a failed Chapter 13 to private settlements, leveraging lump-sum payments while avoiding the pitfalls of dismissal with prejudice.

The conversion from Chapter 13 to Chapter 7 isn't automatic. Prof. Hernandez explores the Motion to Convert, common Trustee objections, and how to pass the mandatory liquidation test. ai generated image

Bankruptcy

Alexander Hernandez 4 min read

The Chapter 13 Conversion: Motions, Objections, and the Liquidation Test

The conversion from Chapter 13 to Chapter 7 isn’t automatic. Prof. Hernandez explores the Motion to Convert, common Trustee objections, and how to pass the mandatory liquidation test.

Bankruptcy

Alexander Hernandez 5 min read

A Chapter 13 Cure and Conversion Strategy for Homeowners

Explore the Chapter 13 cure and conversion strategy with Prof. Hernandez. Learn how this tactical pivot helps homeowners save their property and manage debt.

AI-generated image for bankruptcy.blog illustrating the 2026 consumer bankruptcy layoffs surge. The visual features a large red arrow rising between data blocks showing Jan 2026 layoffs and 549,577 consumer filings, symbolizing the path to solvency amidst economic pressure.

Insights & Analysis

Alexander Hernandez 7 min read

The 2026 Consumer Bankruptcy Surge: Navigating the Financial Reset

With January layoffs at 2009 levels and 564,613 consumer filings, 2026 is a turning point. Prof. Hernandez (Routledge author) explains your path to solvency.

3D infographic by Prof. Hernandez for Bankruptcy.blog showing the structural anatomy of the 2026 financial reset, featuring red pillars for Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 with technical blueprint lines on a dark background.

Insights & Analysis

Alexander Hernandez 6 min read

Understanding the Chapters 7, 11, and 13 Bankruptcy Surge in 2026

Prof. Hernandez breaks down the surge in Chapter 7, 11, and 13 bankruptcy filings. See the 2025 year-end data and what it means for the 2026 economy.