A Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a payment plan in which you propose to pay some or all of your debts through a trustee. A requirement of Chapter 13 is that the debtor have regular income with which to make payments to a trustee. Chapter 13 bankruptcies are often filed when a debtor is ineligible for Chapter 7, can afford to pay some or all of their debts, or is trying to keep and pay for specific property (a home or vehicle for instance). Chapter 13 payment plans are usually for 3 to 5 years.