Last Updated September 19, 2026
Short answer
A pending bankruptcy case can sometimes be converted between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Eligibility for the destination chapter and the consequences of conversion still have to be evaluated. In a consumer case converting to Chapter 7, the Chapter 7 means-test analysis may apply. Conversion can also affect property, secured debts, plan treatment, trustee administration, and court fees.
Federal law covers converting from Chapter 7, converting or dismissing a Chapter 13, and what conversion does to the case. The means test still matters if the destination is consumer Chapter 7. See the U.S. Courts fee schedule for current conversion fees.
Chapter 7 to Chapter 13
People often convert to 13 when they need to catch up a mortgage or car, keep property that is not fully protected, or deal with a means-test issue. You still have to propose a Chapter 13 plan you can pay. Conversion is not a substitute for a plan that cannot be funded.
Chapter 13 to Chapter 7
Job loss, illness, or a plan you can no longer pay can lead to conversion to 7. You still have to qualify, including the means test in consumer cases. A Chapter 13 filed to stop a foreclosure will not, after conversion, create a multi-year catch-up. The lender may ask the court to proceed. Extra protection for a co-signer in Chapter 13 usually ends on conversion.
What conversion does not reset
The original filing date continues to matter for many bankruptcy deadlines and lookback periods. Conversion commonly requires updated filings and may result in a new meeting of creditors. Treatment of postpetition wages, tax refunds, property, and other assets can change depending on the chapter and timing, so those issues should be reviewed before conversion. Current court fees should be confirmed from the official U.S. Courts fee schedule.
Chapter 7
After conversion to Chapter 7, the case is evaluated under Chapter 7 rules governing exemptions, estate property, trustee administration, discharge, and secured debts. Conversion does not guarantee a Chapter 7 discharge.
Chapter 13
After conversion to Chapter 13, the debtor must propose a confirmable plan and make the required payments. Conversion does not undo a foreclosure sale or repossession that was already completed.
What happens next?
- 1
Tell us why the current chapter is not working (income change, property, a sale date).
- 2
We re-run eligibility, including the official means-test tables for a consumer 7.
- 3
If you convert, updated schedules, a fee, and often a new 341 meeting follow.
- 4
Secured creditors still get notice. Stay relief and co-signer issues are reviewed again.
How Brock & Stout can help
We can compare remaining in the current chapter, converting when legally available, or dismissing when appropriate and explain how each option may affect property, secured debts, the automatic stay, and discharge.
Frequently asked questions
Converting to consumer Chapter 7 still goes through the means test. Being in a 13 already does not skip it. Use the official tables for the relevant date.
The pause on collection continues in the same case unless it has already been lifted. Changing chapters does not rewind a completed sale or repo. A 13-to-7 conversion often weakens a keep-the-house plan.
Related resources
- Chapter 13 Bankruptcy and Foreclosure — Chapter 13 Bankruptcy and Foreclosure
Chapter 13 is the chapter designed to save a home when you are behind. The plan can catch up missed payments over time while you keep making the regular payment. The budget still has to work. Court approval is not automatic.
- What Happens at a 341 Meeting? — What Happens at a 341 Meeting?
After you file, you must attend a meeting of creditors. You answer the trustee’s questions under oath about your papers and what you own. Creditors may attend. In many consumer cases they do not. It is not the discharge hearing and not a trial.
- What Happens to a Co-Signer If I File Bankruptcy? — What Happens to a Co-Signer If I File Bankruptcy?
Your bankruptcy discharge generally affects your personal liability; it does not automatically release a co-signer or guarantor. Chapter 13 provides a limited co-debtor stay for certain consumer debts, although a creditor may obtain relief from that stay in circumstances described by § 1301. A married couple may sometimes file a joint bankruptcy case. A parent, adult child, friend, or other non-spouse co-signer cannot simply be added to your joint petition and must evaluate their own legal options separately.
- What Is a Bankruptcy Discharge? — What Is a Bankruptcy Discharge?
A discharge is a court order that stops a creditor from collecting qualifying debts from you personally. It is not a refund. It does not, by itself, clear a title or remove a mortgage or car lien. Not every debt qualifies. Timing differs in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.
- What Is the Automatic Stay in Bankruptcy? — What Is the Automatic Stay in Bankruptcy?
Filing a bankruptcy petition generally triggers the automatic stay by operation of federal law. The stay pauses many collection actions against the debtor and property of the estate, but it is not permanent. Some actions and proceedings are excepted by § 362(b), creditors can seek stay relief, and prior dismissed bankruptcy cases can limit or prevent stay protection.
- What Is the Bankruptcy Means Test? — What Is the Bankruptcy Means Test?
The means test looks at household income to see whether a consumer Chapter 7 case looks like you can repay creditors. It starts by comparing income to Census medians for your state and household size. If you are over the median, a second form applies allowed expenses. Chapter 13 uses related forms for plan length. Median-income figures and expense standards change periodically, so the correct U.S. Trustee Program tables should be matched to the expected filing date.
Talk with a bankruptcy attorney
We can review your debts, property, and goals and explain Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 options that may be available.
Prefer to send us your information? Start a case evaluation.
This page is general educational information about bankruptcy as of the date shown. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and does not guarantee results. Outcomes depend on individual facts and current federal and state law. We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.
