Do you mean file a CLAIM or do you mean file a lien. Normally, you won't need to file a claim unless the trustee files a notice of assets.
If you have not filed a lien yet, and the trustee has isolated your property as "assets" to be liquidated in the BK, I think you're probably too late, but you should check with an attorney to see if you have any options.
Yes, with bankruptcy court approval.
Yes, most judgments can be discharged in a chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Because the law requires you to. For most chapter 7 and 13 cases, the debtor has to file the documents in court, but never has to go to court.
The debtor (or the debtor's attorney) can do this with a simple filing - usually an "Ex Parte Motion to Convert Chapter 13 to a Chapter 7." Providing the debtor's bankruptcy has not previously been converted already, the debtor/debtor attorney can do this without the permission or advance permission of either the bankruptcy judge or the Chapter 13 trustee that is managing the bankruptcy up until that point (hence, the "Ex Parte" part of the document). There are notice requirements - check with your local bankruptcy district to see who this needs to be mailed out to. Also, there is usually a small fee involved (it usually involves the debtor paying the difference in cost between a Chapter 13 and a Chapter 7 filing, but may be different - again, check with your local bankruptcy court). The debtor will be required to go through another 341 creditor's meeting with the new Chapter 7 trustee.
Yes and no. No you cannot file for two types of bankruptcy at the SAME time. But yes you can file for chapter 7 bankruptcy if you were unable to complete chapter 13, which is very common. This can be done once for any reason, without court approval. However, to switch back, approval of the bankruptcy court is required, and they will rarely allow a debtor to make multiple switches. Note that in switching from Chapter 13 to Chapter 7, much of the debtor's property is now up for grabs to be sold off to pay his or her debts. However, if the debtor cannot make the payments under a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, switching to Chapter 7 may be his or her only option.
A debtor can dismiss a Chapter 13 bankruptcy at any time without a fee, except perhaps for any remaining attorney's fees that have not been paid under the Chapter 13 plan. A debtor cannot voluntarily dismiss a Chapter 7 without filing a motion wiht the court. Even then, the debtor must be able to demonstrate that no prejudice to creditor if the Chapter 7 is dismissed. The debtor can convert the 7 to 13 (which does involve a fee) and then dismiss the Chapter 13.
You will receive, directly from the bankruptcy court, a notice of filing and information on filing your claim with the court. If you believe a person has filed bankruptcy, and you know the person' s address, you can check with the clerk of the bankruptcy court. The bankruptcy court one files in is determined by the county within which the debtor resides.
Bankruptcy is a FEDERAL law handled in a FEDERAL court...your State makes no difference. Under the bankruptcy laws effective on October 17, 2005, Chapter 7 cannot be filed unless the debtor was discharged from the previous Chapter 7 or bankruptcy more than eight years ago. The debtor cannot file a Chapter 13 unless: (1) the debtor received a discharge under Chapter 7, 11 or 12 more than four years ago; or (2) the debtor received a discharge under Chapter 13 more than two years ago. The above notes discharge dates.
Bankruptcy affects debts and creditors, not vehicles. A debtor owning a vehicle exempts it or the equity in it if there is a car loan. The debt is reaffirmed. This is all part of the public bankruptcy record. If the vehicle is not exempted, the trustee takes and sells it as part of the bankrupt "estate." If there is a chapter 13, and the debtor wants to sell the vehicle, s/he will have to get the court's permission. Either the trustee or the debtor would ask the court to sell free and clear of all liens. There are a number of potential problems if you are the buyer or the bankrupt seller, so get a lawyer.
10 years. Under the bankruptcy laws effective on October 17, 2005, Chapter 7 cannot be filed unless the debtor was discharged from the previous Chapter 7 or bankruptcy more than eight years ago. The debtor cannot file a Chapter 13 unless: (1) the debtor received a discharge under Chapter 7, 11 or 12 more than four years ago; or (2) the debtor received a discharge under Chapter 13 more than two years ago.
The exact procedures will vary by the rules of your local bankruptcy court, but a Chapter 13 debt can voluntarily dismiss a bankruptcy at almost anytime. Where I practice law, the debtor just needs to complete and sign a one page form and submit a proposed order. Both are forms you can get from the local bankruptcy court. The website for your local bankruptcy court should have the forms you need.
Sometimes, a debtor who cannot meet the obligations of the payment plan imposed by Chapter 13 Bankruptcy may wish to switch to Chapter 7. This can be done once for any reason, without court approval. However, to switch back, approval of the bankruptcy court is required, and they will rarely allow a debtor to make multiple switches. Note that in switching from Chapter 13 to Chapter 7, much of your property is now up for grabs to be sold off to pay your debts. However, if you cannot make the payments under a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, switching to Chapter 7 may be your only option.